Fan assembly for displaying an image

Abstract

Apparatuses and methods are provided for displaying an image by a rotating structure. The rotating structure may include blades of a fan. The fan may be a cooling fan for an electronic device such as an augmented reality display. In some embodiments, the rotating structure includes a light source that emits light for generating an image. The light source may include a light field emitter. In other embodiments, the rotating structure is illuminated by an external (e.g., non-rotating) light source.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C.§119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 538,518, filed on Jul. 28, 2017, entitled “FAN ASSEMBLY FOR DISPLAYING AN IMAGE”, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for displaying an image by projecting or reflecting light from a rotating element such as a blade of a fan. Background Art

[0004] When light from a natural object encounters the human eye, at each point in space, the amount and direction of the light rays have specific content. This structure is called a light field. Conventional two - dimensional (2 - D) displays (paintings, photographs, computer monitors, televisions, etc.) emit light isotropically (e.g., emit light uniformly from the display). Thus, these 2 - D displays may only approximate the light field of the objects they represent. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Accordingly, it is desirable to construct a display that reproduces or attempts to reproduce the exact or approximate light (e.g., light field or other representation) produced by a natural object. Such a display produces a more compelling image, which may include two - dimensional (2 - D) or appear three - dimensional (3 - D) and may be mistaken for a natural object. Conventional 2 - D displays may not be able to achieve these functions. Additionally, an image generated from a light source on a rotating object (such as a fan blade of a fan assembly) or an image generated from light reflected from such a rotating object can generate a color display, image, notification, etc. Such a fan assembly is typically a component for cooling an electronic device (e.g., a computer, an augmented reality display) and can be used to project such an image to a user of such a device.

[0006] In some embodiments, a fan assembly and method for displaying a representation of an image are disclosed. In one implementation, the fan assembly can include: a plurality of fan blades; a motor configured to rotate the plurality of fan blades to cause an air flow; a plurality of light sources disposed on at least one of the plurality of fan blades; a non-transitory memory configured to store image data to be displayed by the fan assembly, the image data providing one or more views of the image in a viewing direction; and a processor operably coupled to the non-transitory memory, the motor, and the plurality of light sources. The processor can be programmed with executable instructions for: driving the motor to rotate the plurality of fan blades about a rotation axis, the plurality of fan blades being positioned at a rotation angle that varies over time; accessing the image data; mapping the image data to each of the plurality of light sources at least in part based on the rotation angle; and illuminating the plurality of light sources at least in part based on the mapped image data.

[0007] In some embodiments, a fan assembly and method for displaying a representation of an image are disclosed. In one implementation, the method can include driving a motor to rotate a plurality of fan blades including a plurality of light sources about a rotation axis, the plurality of fan blades being positioned at a rotation angle that varies over time. The method can further include accessing image data to be displayed, the image data providing one or more views of the image in a viewing direction; mapping the image data to each of the plurality of light sources at least in part based on the rotation angle; and illuminating the plurality of light sources at least in part based on the mapped image data.

[0008] In some embodiments, a display device and method for displaying a representation of an image are disclosed. In one implementation, the display device includes: a rotatable structure; a motor configured to rotate the rotatable structure; a plurality of light sources positioned relative to the rotatable structure to direct light toward the rotatable structure; a non-transitory memory configured to store image data to be displayed by the display device, the image data providing one or more views of the image in a viewing direction; and a processor operably coupled to the non-transitory memory, the motor, and the plurality of light sources. The processor can be programmed with executable instructions for: driving the motor to rotate the rotatable structure about a rotation axis, the rotatable structure being positioned at a rotation angle that varies over time; accessing the image data; mapping the image data to each of the plurality of light sources at least in part based on the rotation angle; and illuminating the plurality of light sources at least in part based on the mapped image data.

[0009] In some embodiments, a fan assembly and method for displaying a representation of an image are disclosed. In one implementation, the method may include driving a motor to rotate a rotatable structure about a rotation axis, the rotatable structure being positioned at a rotation angle that varies over time. The method may further include: accessing image data to be displayed by the display device, the image data providing one or more views of the image in a viewing direction; mapping the image data to each of a plurality of light sources at least in part based on the rotation angle, the plurality of light sources being positioned relative to the rotatable structure to direct light toward the rotatable structure; and illuminating the plurality of light sources at least in part based on the mapped image data.

[0010] Details of one or more implementations of the subject matter described in this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. This summary or the following detailed description is not intended to limit or restrict the scope of the subject matter of this invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 An example display device is schematically shown.

[0012] Figure 2A and Figure 2B is a perspective view ([ Figure 2A ) and a top view ([ Figure 2B ) schematically showing an example of a light field display for outputting light field image information.

[0013] Figures 3A to 3C is a cross-sectional side view schematically depicting a portion of an embodiment of a light field display Figure 2A and Figure 2B .

[0014] Figure 4A and Figure 4B schematically show an example of a waveguide stack for outputting light field image information to a user.

[0015] Figure 4C Schematically shown is an example augmented reality display device and a waist pack that may include a battery and an illuminated fan assembly.

[0016] Figures 5A to 5G Schematically shown are various examples of display devices.

[0017] Figure 6A and Figure 6B is a perspective view of an example display device schematically showing a 3-D representation of an image (in this example the image is a dog) being displayed for viewing by a plurality of viewers.

[0018] Figure 7is a perspective view schematically showing another example display device that is displaying a 3-D representation of an image being viewed by multiple viewers.

[0019] Figure 8A is a perspective view schematically showing another example display device that is displaying a 3-D representation of an image being viewed by a viewer.

[0020] Figure 8B and Figure 8C schematically shows a plan view and a side view of an example fan assembly.

[0021] Figures 9A to 9D schematically shows various examples of another display device.

[0022] Figure 10 schematically shows a display device including a two-dimensional array light source.

[0023] Figure 11 is a perspective view schematically showing another example display device.

[0024] Figures 12A to 12C schematically shows various examples of a display device.

[0025] Figure 13A and 13B schematically shows an example of a display device.

[0026] Figure 14 is a process flow diagram of an example of a method of using a display device to display a representation of an object.

[0027] Figure 15 is a process flow diagram of an example of a method of mapping image data to a light source of a display device.

[0028] Figure 16 is a process flow diagram of an example of a method of lighting a light source of a display device.

[0029] Figure 17 schematically shows an example display device for using a display device including a fan assembly to display an image.

[0030] Figure 18 is a process flow diagram of an example method of using a display device including a fan assembly to display an image.

[0031] In all the figures, reference numerals may be reused to indicate the correspondence between the elements mentioned. The figures are provided to illustrate the example embodiments described herein and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0032] Overview

[0033] Currently, many types of light field displays are expensive and thus not suitable for many applications (e.g., commercial advertising, viewing at home, etc.). Current implementations of light field displays (e.g., flat panel displays) utilize a large number of pixels and waveguides to mimic a 3-D representation of an object. At any single point in time, such a representation requires displaying several images, each presenting a different view of the object being viewed and changing the depth of focus so that the object appears three-dimensional. For example, multiple 2-D representations can be displayed, each corresponding to a different view of the object being viewed. In some embodiments, the greater the angle of the viewer from the normal to the flat display panel, the more limited the 3-D representation field of view provided to the viewer by the flat display panel. The present disclosure describes examples of displays that, because of the implemented light source technology (e.g., light field sub-display technology in some embodiments), can display multiple viewing angles or depths of focus at any single instance without being overly expensive and can be controlled to switch between multiple different views of an object being displayed in 2-D or three-dimensional representation. The present disclosure describes some examples that can be configured to provide a greater field of view of an object being displayed in representation. Such displays can be used for indoor or outdoor display applications, such as advertising, home viewing, indoor or outdoor decoration, art, etc. For example, a storefront or other commercial establishment may wish to attract customers by displaying an object in a three-dimensional manner as opposed to a traditional two-dimensional display. As opposed to a flat two-dimensional representation, a three-dimensional representation may be more eye-catching or more likely to be noticed by passersby. The apparatus and method for 2-D or 3-D display of an image from a rotating element and examples of a curved display are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 410,455, filed on January 19, 2017, entitled "Display for Three-dimensional Image", the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0034] The present disclosure describes examples of a display device that includes a rotatable structure (e.g., a propeller, a set of fan blades, an impeller, or other device configured to rotate about a rotation axis), in combination with a plurality of light sources, wherein each light source is strobed with a different image according to the current rotational state of the rotatable structure and the overall image to be projected by the display. The strobe rate (e.g., switching the content being displayed) can be a frequency that is imperceptible to the eye of a person viewing the object. The strobe rate can also correspond to the refresh rate of the image being displayed. For example, an increase in the strobe rate can correspond to an increase in the refresh rate, thereby resulting in a better quality image. The rotational movement of the rotatable structure causes the light sources to sweep out a particular area, and thus, a lower cost implementation of a display providing an image to a viewer is possible.

[0035] Example display device

[0036] Figure 1 An example of a display device 100 is shown, which is configured to display an image viewable as a 3-D representation of an object. The display device 100 includes a rotatable structure 105, a motor 104, and a control system 110. The rotatable structure 105 may be coupled to the motor 104, which is configured to drive the rotatable structure 105 along a path 103 about a rotation axis 120 based on an input from a local data processing module of the control system 110. The control system 110 may be operably coupled to the display device 100, which may be mounted in various configurations, such as fixedly attached to the display device 100 or located at other positions associated with the display device 100 (e.g., in a separate part of a room or in a central control room). The rotatable structure 105 may include an array of light sources 101 disposed along one or more elongate elements 102. The light sources 101 may be controlled by the control system 110 to generate and display a 3-D representation of an object. The light sources 101 may include liquid crystals (LCs), light-emitting diodes (LEDs), organic LEDs (OLEDs), or any other type of pixel structure configured to emit light for rendering an image. Other light sources may include lasers, fiber optics, or any structure configured to emit light that can be manipulated to render an image. In Figure 1 the illustrated embodiment, the light source 101 may include a light field display, for example, as described in connection with Figures 2A to 3C the following. Accordingly, the light source 101 may be referred to as the light field display 101. However, such a reference is for illustrative purposes only and not limiting. The light source 101 may include lenses, waveguides, diffractive or reflective elements, baffles, or other optical elements to direct, guide, or focus light from the light source toward or onto the rotatable structure.

[0037] In some embodiments, the movement of the rotatable structure 105 causes the light field display 101 to move around the path 103. When the light field display 101 is driven by the control system 110 to be lit, the rotatable structure 105 displays an image that can be viewed by a bystander as a 3-D representation of the object to be displayed. For example, the display device 100 can be placed in front of a store or in a visible area, where a person located at a visible distance from the display device 100 can view the image displayed by the display device 100 by looking towards the rotatable structure 105. In some embodiments, when the light field display 101 rotates around the path 103 due to the rotational movement imparted to the rotatable structure 105 by the motor 104, an extended 3-D representation of the object is created. In some embodiments, multiple light field displays 101 can each include one or more pixels, which can be lit according to light field image data stored in a digital memory 112 (e.g., a non-transitory data memory) to display a 3-D representation of the object, as described below. In some embodiments, a speaker 118 can be coupled to the display device 100 to provide an audio output.

[0038] Referring again to Figure 1 , the rotatable structure 105 can be arranged in a manner similar to a propeller rotating about an axis 120. As Figure 1 shown, the rotatable structure 105 having a propeller arrangement can include a plurality of elongate elements 102. The elongate elements 102 can also be configured as multiple arms or blades of a propeller. Although the display device 100 in conjunction with Figure 1 is shown as having 4 elongate elements 102, the number, arrangement, length, width, or shape of the elongate elements 102 can be different (see, for example, Figures 5A to 5G ). For example, the number of elongate elements 102 can be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more (e.g., as Figure 5A and 5B shown). The elongate elements 102 can be straight (e.g., Figure 1 , 5A and 5B), curved as shown in Figure 5C , or curved inward or outward from a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis 120 of the propeller (e.g., Figure 7 ). As described below, in some embodiments, the rotatable structure 105 can be arranged as a collection of fan blades or an impeller that rotates about the axis 120 as part of a fan assembly (e.g., Figures 8A to 13B ).

[0039] Continuing to refer to Figure 1 , each elongate element 102 includes an array of light field displays 101 arranged along the length of the elongate element 102. Although Figure 1Shows five light field sub-displays 101 arranged on each elongate element 102 (and additional optional sub-displays at the center of the displays where the elongate elements cross), but other embodiments are possible. For example, the number of light field sub-displays 101 on each elongate element 102 can be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more. In another embodiment, the rotatable structure can include a single light field sub-display disposed thereon. The light field sub-display 101 can include any display configured to generate a light field. In some embodiments, the light field sub-display 101 can include one or more pixels configured to emit anisotropic light (e.g., directional emission). For example, as will be described in more detail in conjunction with Figures 2A to 3C The light field sub-display 101 can include a microlens array disposed adjacent to a pixel array that emits light isotropically toward the microlens array. The microlens array redirects the light from the pixel array to an array of light beams propagating at different exit angles to generate a light field image. In some embodiments, each microlens in the microlens array can be configured as a pixel of the light field sub-display 101. In another embodiment, the light field sub-display 101 can include a waveguide stack assembly that generates a light field, as described below in conjunction with Figure 4A and Figure 4B described.

[0040] The display device further includes a motor 104, which is electrically coupled to a rotatable structure 105 and configured to drive the rotatable structure 105. For example, the motor 104 can cause the rotatable structure 105 to rotate about a rotation axis 120 in a circular motion, as shown by a rotation path 103. When the rotatable structure 105 is driven by the motor 104, the light field display 101 similarly rotates about the rotation path 103. The control system 110 can be configured to control the rotation rate applied to the rotatable structure 105 by the motor 104 at a desired frequency. The rotation frequency can be selected such that the rotatable structure 102 is not perceivable by the viewer, and the viewer mainly perceives the 3-D image due to the persistence of vision of the human visual system. Such a display is sometimes commonly referred to as a persistence of vision (POV) display. Other rotation frequencies are also possible. The combination of the rotation of the light field display 101 and the illumination of each light field display 101 projects a representation of an image that can be viewed by the viewer. The image can include objects, graphics, text, etc. The image can be part of a series of image frames that project an object or an object that appears to be moving or changing as in a video. The representation can appear to be 3-D and may be misperceived by the viewer as a natural object rather than a projection. The motor 104 and the control system 110 can be arranged to be unobtrusive to the viewer (e.g., under a propeller and connected to the propeller via a suitable transmission). The control system 110 can be coupled to the motor 104 via a wired or wireless communication link 150. Since the arms of the propeller are invisible (when the propeller rotates fast enough), the image may appear to be suspended in mid-air, thus attracting the attention of passersby. Therefore, the display device 100 can be advantageously used for advertising, marketing, or sales, for demonstrations, or otherwise to generate interest or convey information to the viewer.

[0041] The local data processing module of the computer control system 110 may include a hardware processor 112 and a digital memory 114. In some embodiments, the digital memory 114 may include non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory) or any non-transitory computer-readable medium. The digital memory 114 may be configured to store data defining instructions for the hardware processor 112. These instructions configure the hardware processor 112 to perform the functions of the display device 100. For example, both the hardware processor 112 and the digital memory 114 may be used to assist in processing, caching, and storing light field data. The data may include data related to: a) the light field image of the object to be displayed, b) the light field sub-display position varying over time, or c) the mapping of the light field image to the light field sub-display position. In some embodiments, the light field image includes multiple rendered frames of the object, where each rendered frame is a 2-D representation of the object in a viewing direction (e.g., the direction in which a viewer may be relative to the display device 100). Each rendered frame may include a plurality of pixels, hereinafter referred to as rendered pixels, which may be combined to represent an image of the object to be displayed. Each rendered pixel may be associated with a position on the rendered frame (e.g., the rendered pixel position). The multiple rendered frames and the rendered pixel positions may be stored in the digital memory 114 for access and use by the control system 110. The light field image may include imaging parameters (e.g., the color and intensity of the light used to display the rendered frame), where the imaging parameters are associated with the viewing direction of the rendered frame. In some embodiments, the light field sub-display position is defined by the position of the light field sub-display 101 along the elongate element 102, and the position of the light field sub-display 101 varies over time and based on the rotation angle of the rotatable structure 105. The light field sub-display position may also include the position varying over time of the components (e.g., the microlenses described below) of each light field sub-display.

[0042] The control system 110 may be coupled to the plurality of light field sub-displays 101 via a wired or wireless communication line (not shown). The communication line may be configured to send signals from the control system 110 to the light field sub-displays 101 to render an image as described above. In some embodiments, the rotatable structure 105 or the elongate element 102 may include a plurality of cavities or paths arranged to receive the wired communication lines between each of the light field sub-displays 101 and the control system 110.

[0043] In some embodiments, the hardware processor 112 may be operably coupled to the digital memory 114 and configured to analyze and process data in the digital memory 114. The hardware processor 112 may also be operably coupled to the motor 104 and configured to drive the motor 104 at a rotational speed. In some embodiments, the rotational speed may be preselected based on the light field image, the number of light field sub-displays 101, or the number of elongate elements 102. The hardware processor 112 may also be operably coupled to each light field sub-display 101 and configured to drive each light field sub-display 101 (e.g., the pixels of each light field sub-display 101 as described below) based on the light field image stored in the digital memory 114. For example, when the rotatable structure 105 is rotated based on instructions executed by the hardware processor 112, rotation is imparted to the light field sub-displays 101 such that they sweep out a series of concentric circular arcs along the rotation path 103 about the axis of rotation 120. When the light field sub-displays 101 (or the pixels therein) reach a position associated with the rendered pixel positions and image parameters stored in the digital memory 112, the hardware processor 112 may also drive each light field sub-display 101 (e.g., the pixels described below) to emit light. The rotational speed of the rotatable structure 105 may be high enough such that a viewer does not perceive the elongate elements 102 (e.g., the rotatable structure 105 effectively appears transparent) as the elongate elements 102 of the rotatable structure 105 rotate, but rather sees illumination from the light field sub-displays 101, thereby displaying a 3-D representation of the object.

[0044] One possible way to achieve a 3-D representation of the displayed object is that multiple viewpoints may be pre-rendered by the control system 110 or another rendering engine. For any given orientation (e.g., rotation angle) of the rotatable structure 105, a mapping may be generated or retrieved that maps the position (z) of the pixels of the light field sub-displays 101 at time (t) (e.g., based on the rotation of the rotatable structure 105) to the rendered pixels (u) of the rendered frame (k). This mapping may be done by the processor 112, which may include a microprocessor or microcontroller, a graphics processing unit (GPU), or dedicated hardware (e.g., a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)).

[0045] In one embodiment, the control system 110 may be configured to map the rendered pixels of the rendered frames. For example, the rendered frame k may be associated with the viewing direction of the object to be displayed, and the rendered pixels (u) may have positions within the rendered frame (e.g., represented by coordinates, e.g., X and Y coordinates or position coordinates). This mapping may be constant and independent of the object to be displayed, and thus may be pre-computed and stored (e.g., in the digital memory 114) in a data structure (e.g., in a look-up table (LUT)).

[0046] In one embodiment, the control system 110 may also be configured to map the rendered pixel positions to the positions of the light field sub-display 101. For example, based on the rotation speed of the rotatable structure 105, each pixel of the light field sub-display 101 may be at a different position at different times. The rotation speed may, but need not, be constant over time. Additionally, because the light field sub-display 101 rotates over time, the rendered pixel positions of the light emitted by the pixels of the light field sub-display 101 may be translated for this overall rotation. Thus, as the pixels sweep out along path 103, each rendered pixel position (u) of the rendered frame (k) may be associated with a given position of a pixel of the light field sub-display 101 based on the position (z) of the pixel along the elongate element 102 that varies over time (t). Accordingly, the corresponding rendered pixels of each rendered frame may be grouped together and mapped to the pixels of the light field sub-display 101. The mapping is configured such that the rendered pixel positions are translated to the pixels of the light field sub-display 101 so that the light emitted from the light field sub-display 101 is anisotropically directed based on the viewing direction of the rendered frame. This may also be pre-computed and stored (e.g., in the digital memory 114) in a data structure (e.g., in a look-up table (LUT)), which may include the same data structure or a different data structure as the data structure described above. In some embodiments, when the rotatable structure 105 rotates, the pixels of the light field sub-display 101 may be gated (e.g., alternated or switched between different rendered frames of the light field image) based on the mapped transformed image parameters of the rendered frame.

[0047] In some embodiments, since some of the light field displays 101 are farther from the rotation axis 120, these light field displays 101 sweep out a larger circular area compared to the light field displays 101 that are closer to or located on the rotation axis 120. In some cases, the apparent intensity of the light from the light field displays 101 that are far from the rotation axis 120 as viewed by the viewer of the display object may tend to be lower than the intensity of the light emitted from the light field displays 101 that are closer to the rotation axis 120 because, for the light field displays 101 that are farther from the rotation axis 120, the exposure per unit area is reduced. Thus, in some embodiments, in order to keep the apparent intensity of the image across the rotatable structure 105 relatively constant, the illumination brightness and / or the strobe duration may scale linearly with the radius of a particular light field display 101 based on the distance to the rotation axis 120. In other embodiments, the light field displays 101 at larger radii have an increased size and / or an increased number of pixels (compared to the light field displays 101 that are closer to the rotation axis). In still other embodiments, more light field displays 101 may be used at larger radii, for example, by reducing the spacing between adjacent light field displays 101 or by branching the elongate element 102 into sub-elements as the distance to the rotation axis increases.

[0048] The control system 110 may include a connection to a network, for example, to receive an image or an image display instruction to be displayed by the display device 100. The display device 100 may include audio functionality. For example, the display device 100 may include or be connected to a speaker system 118 to project audio in combination with the projected image. In some embodiments, the display device 100 may include a microphone 119 and speech recognition technology to enable the display device 100 to receive and process audio commands or comments from the viewer. For example, the display device 100 may be configured to recognize comments from interested viewers and take actions in response to the comments to modify the display device 100 (e.g., by changing the color of the projected image, changing the projected image, outputting an audio response to the comment, etc.). As an example, in a retail store environment, the display may show an image of a product for sale, and in response to a question about the price of the product, the display may output the price in an audible manner (e.g., "This product is on sale today for two dollars") or by a change in the displayed image (e.g., displaying the price in text or graphics).

[0049] The display device 100 may include a proximity sensor 116 to detect whether an object is nearby, and the control system 110 may take appropriate actions, such as displaying an audible or visual warning or shutting off or slowing the rotation of the propeller. These embodiments may provide a safety advantage if a viewer attempts to touch a 3-D visible object without knowing about the rapidly rotating propeller blades.

[0050] Although examples of devices for generating light fields are described herein, it should be understood that a single light field sub-display type is not necessarily required to display a 3-D representation of an object in a display device. Other light field displays can be envisioned such that multiple light field sub-displays are arranged on a rotatable structure to generate a 3-D representation of an object. For example, any of the light field sub-displays, components, or arrangements described in the U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 288,680, filed on January 29, 2016, entitled "Holographic Propeller", can be implemented to display a 3-D representation of an object, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. A non-limiting advantage of some embodiments disclosed herein is that, compared to a single non-rotating display covered with pixels, by attaching an array of light field sub-displays along a rotating elongated element, the display device can use a reduced number of light field sub-displays to display a 3-D representation. Another non-limiting advantage of embodiments of the present invention is that, compared to a single display that lights up the entire display to generate an image, fewer display elements or light field sub-displays need to be lit at any given time. In some embodiments, the control system 110 may be configured to control the actuation of each light field sub-display 101 (e.g., the timing, intensity, and color of the lighting of each light field sub-display) based on the desired image to be projected by the display device 100.

[0051] Example light field display including a microlens array assembly

[0052] Figures 2A to 2B An example of a light field sub-display 101 that can be arranged along Figure 1 the rotatable structure 105 is shown. Figure 2A is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the light field sub-display 101, which has a microlens array 210 spaced apart from a pixel array 220 including a plurality of pixels 205. The microlens array 210 includes a plurality of microlenses 215. Figure 2B is Figure 2ATop view of a portion of the light field display 101 shown. The pixels 205 of the pixel array 220 can be liquid crystal (LC), light emitting diode (LED), organic LED (OLED), or any other type of pixel structure configured to emit light to render an image. Generally, the pixels 205 of the pixel array 220 emit light substantially isotropically at least above the pixel array 220 and in the direction towards the microlens array 210. Figures 2A to 2B And the other figures shown herein may not be drawn to scale and are for illustrative purposes only. Additionally, these figures schematically show a portion of the light field sub-display 101, and the light field sub-display 101 may include more than these four microlenses 215 and more than 100 pixels 205.

[0053] Figure 2A and 2B Shows that the light field sub-display 101 includes a microlens array 210 having a plurality of microlenses 215. Figure 2A and 2B The microlens array 210 shown includes a 2×2 array of microlenses 215. Each microlens 215 is associated with a subset of the pixels 205 of the pixel array 220. For example, the microlens 215a is used to redirect light from a subset 225 of the pixels 205 of the pixel array 220 disposed below the microlens 215a to various angular directions. The redirection of light by the microlens 215a will be described with reference to Figures 3A to 3C Describe the redirection of light by the microlens 215a.

[0054] Adopt Figures 2A to 2B The resolution of the display device 100 with the light field sub-display 101 can depend on, for example, the number of microlenses 215 included in the microlens array 210 and the number of pixels in the subset 225 associated with each microlens. In some embodiments, each microlens 215 can be configured as a pixel of the light field sub-display 101. For example, Figure 2A The pixel array 220 shown includes an array of 10×10 pixels (shown in dashed lines). Each microlens 215 can be associated with a subset 225 of the pixels 205, for example, as shown in Figure 2A and 2B Shown, the microlens 215a is associated with a 5×5 subset 225 of the pixels 205 (shown in solid lines). The microlens array 210 and the pixel array 220 are illustrative, and in other embodiments, the arrangement, number, shape, etc. of the microlenses and pixels can be different from those shown. For example, the pixel array 220 can include 100×100 pixels covered by the microlens array 210 such that each microlens 215 covers a 10×10 array of pixels on the pixel array 220.

[0055] In Figures 2A to 2BIn the example shown, the cross-sectional shape of the microlenses 215 is illustrated as circular, but they may include rectangular or any other shape. In some embodiments, the shape or pitch of each microlens 215 may vary across the microlens array 210. Additionally, although Figure 2A and 2B illustrates a 2×2 microlens array disposed over a 10×10 pixel array, it should be understood that this is for illustrative purposes and any other number or size n×m (n, m = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 20, 30, 64, 100, 512, 768, 1024, 1280, 1920, 3840, or any other integer) may be used for the microlens array 210 or the pixel array 220.

[0056] One non-limiting advantage of using the microlens array 210 is that each microlens array 210 of a single light field display 101 can be configured as a light field display capable of providing a light field to a viewer of the display device. A light field display is capable of controlling the direction as well as the color and intensity of the emitted light. In contrast, a conventional display emits light isotropically in all directions. For example, the microlens 215a may be associated with a subset 225 of the pixels 205. The subset 225 of the pixels 205 may emit isotropic light, but when the light passes through the microlens 215a, the light is directed towards the viewer mimicking or simulating rays from a spatial point at the focal plane on which the viewer is focusing.

[0057] Figures 3A to 3C is a partial side view of the light field display 101, which includes an illustrative representation of light ray trajectories for a plurality of arrangements of the pixel array 220 and the microlens array 210. Figure 3A illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of the light field display 101, which includes light rays emitted from a subset 225 of the pixels 205 of the pixel array 220. The pixels 205 of the pixel array 220 are located at a distance a from the microlens array 210. In some embodiments, a hardware processor is configured to drive each pixel 205 of the pixel array 220 to emit light based on image data stored in the digital memory 114. The light emitted from each of the respective pixels 205 interacts with the microlens array 210 such that the spatial extent of the light emitted from the subset 225 of the pixels 205 below the associated microlens 215a results in an array of light beams 305a propagating at different exit angles. In Figure 3AIn the illustrated embodiment, the distance a between the microlens array 210 and each pixel 205 is approximately equal to the focal length (f) of the microlenses 215 in the microlens array 210. When the distance a is equal to the focal length (f), the light emitted from each pixel 205 of the pixel array 220 interacts with the microlens array 210 such that the spatial extent of the light emitted from the subset 225 of pixels 205 produces an array of substantially collimated light beams 305a at different exit angles. The different line types of the light rays (e.g., solid lines, dashed lines, etc.) do not refer to the color or intensity of the light, but are merely illustrative to depict the geometry of the light rays emitted by different pixels.

[0058] In some embodiments, the number of pixels in the subset 225 of pixels 205 disposed beneath each microlens 215 in the microlens array 210 can be selected based on the number of light beams 305a designed to be emitted from each microlens in the microlens array 210. For example, the n×m subset 225 of pixels 205 beneath the microlens 215a can produce an n×m array of light beams perceptible to a viewer, thereby representing n×m different viewing directions of the object represented by the display device 100. In various implementations, n and m (which can be different from each other and different in each subset 225 of pixels 205) can be integers, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 16, 32, 64, 100, 256, or more. For example, a Figure 2A microlens 215a having a 5×5 subset 225 of pixels 205 can emit light in 25 different directions. Each direction can be associated with a viewing direction of an image to be displayed by the display device 100.

[0059] In Figure 3AIn the illustrated embodiment, each pixel 205 is located at the focal length (f) of the microlens array 210 such that light emitted from each pixel 205 will be fully or partially collimated by the microlens 215 and redirected to an exit angle, such that a subset 225 of the pixels 205 below the microlens 215 effectively produces a plurality of light beams 305a, each beam corresponding to a particular angle of the overall light field produced by the display. In some embodiments, if a relatively small number of pixels are located in the subset 225 of pixels 205, there may be a gap 310a between each of the collimated light beams 305a. The gap 310a may be perceived by a viewer viewing the image at an angle associated with the gap 310a, and may be distracting from the appearance of the image if the angular extent of the gap 310a is too large. The gap 310a may be observed as an attenuation of the intensity of the light 305a directed at the viewer at that angle. If the angular extent of the gap 310a is too large, the viewer may perceive the brightness of the displayed image as modulated when the viewer moves her head or eyes or slightly changes her position relative to the display, which may be distracting. In one embodiment, the gap 310a may be reduced by increasing the number of pixels in the subset 225 of pixels 205 such that the angular extent of the gap 310a is small enough. Ray tracing software may be used to model the distribution of light from the light field display 101, and the number, spacing, spatial distribution, etc. of the pixels and microlenses may be determined based on factors such as the typical distance at which a viewer views the display, the acceptable amount of modulation, etc.

[0060] In another embodiment, as an alternative to or in combination with the embodiments described herein, the pixels in the subset 225 of pixels 205 may be placed at a distance a from the microlens array 210, the distance being slightly greater than or slightly less than the focal plane 230 of the microlens 215 in the microlens (see, for example Figure 3B and 3C ). This may result in some degree of divergence of each light beam such that there are fewer, reduced gaps, or no gaps, in the light field at the far field of the light field sub-display 101. For example, Figure 3B illustrates a case where the distance a is less than the focal length f, whereby the light beam 305b diverges outwardly, thereby reducing the angular extent of the gap 310b. Figure 3C illustrates a case where the distance a is greater than the focal length f such that the light beams may diverge towards the central beam, which in some embodiments may result in a larger gap 310c.

[0061] Light field display including a waveguide stack assembly

[0062] Although Figures 2A to 3CFIG. 101 shows an example light field display 101 including a microlens array 210 for a display device 100, but this is for illustration only and not limitation. It should be understood that the various advantages of the embodiments disclosed herein can be achieved by any variation and type of display capable of generating a light field that serves as one or more light field displays 101. For example, any one of the light field displays, stacked waveguide assemblies, or other optical emitters described in U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 555,585, entitled "Virtual and Augmented Reality Systems and Methods," filed on November 27, 2014, and published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0205126, can be implemented as one or more of the light field displays 101 of the Figure 1 display 100, the entire content of the above U.S. patent application being incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, the stacked waveguide assembly can be implemented as an alternative to or in combination with a light field display including a Figure 2A and 2B microlens array.

[0063] Figure 4A and 4B FIGS. 10 and 11 show one such embodiment of a stacked waveguide assembly 178 that can be implemented as a light field display 101. For example, Figure 4A and 4B FIGS. 12 and 13 show aspects of a method of simulating a three-dimensional image using multiple depth planes. Figure 4A and 4B The optical devices shown correspond to a stacked waveguide assembly of transmissive beam splitter substrates, each substrate being configured to project light at different focal planes.

[0064] Referring to Figure 4A , objects at different distances from the eye 404 (which can be monocular or binocular) can be accommodated by the eye 404 such that these objects are in focus. Thus, it can be said that a particular accommodation state is associated with a particular depth plane having an associated focal length, such that when the eye is in the accommodation state for a particular depth plane, the objects or portions of the objects in that depth plane are in focus. In some embodiments, a three-dimensional image can be simulated by providing different presentations of the image for each eye 404 (e.g., different rendered frames), and also by providing different presentations of the image corresponding to each depth plane or different viewing perspectives. Without being limited by theory, it is believed that the human eye can typically interpret a limited number of depth planes to provide depth perception. Thus, by providing the eye with different presentations of the image corresponding to each of these limited number of depth planes, a highly believable simulated depth perception can be achieved.

[0065] Figure 4A An example of a stacked waveguide assembly 178 for outputting image information to a user is shown. The stacked waveguide assembly or waveguide stack 178 can be used to provide three-dimensional perception to the eye / brain using multiple waveguides 182, 184, 186, 188, 190. In some embodiments, the waveguide assembly 178 can correspond to Figure 1 the light field display 101 of

[0066] Continuing to refer to Figure 4A , the stacked waveguide assembly 178 can also include a plurality of features 198, 196, 194, 192 located between the waveguides. In some embodiments, the features 198, 196, 194, 192 can include lenses. The waveguides 182, 184, 186, 188, 190 or the plurality of lenses 198, 196, 194, 192 can be configured to send image information to the eye with various levels of wavefront curvature or ray divergence. Each waveguide level can be associated with a particular depth plane and can be configured to output image information corresponding to that depth plane. Image injection devices 410, 420, 430, 440, 450 can be used to inject the rendered frame image information (as described above) into the waveguides 182, 184, 186, 188, 190, and each of the waveguides 182, 184, 186, 188, 190 can be configured to distribute the incident light across each corresponding waveguide for output toward the eye 404. In some embodiments, a single light beam (e.g., a collimated beam) can be injected into each waveguide to output an entire field of cloned collimated beams that are directed toward the eye 404 at a particular angle (and amount of divergence), the particular angle (and amount of divergence) corresponding to the depth plane of the rendered frame and associated with a particular waveguide.

[0067] Waveguides 182, 184, 186, 188, 190 can be configured to propagate light within each respective waveguide by total internal reflection (TIR). Waveguides 182, 184, 186, 188, 190 can each be planar or have another shape (e.g., curved), having a top major surface and a bottom major surface and an edge extending between these top and bottom major surfaces. In the illustrated configuration, waveguides 182, 184, 186, 188, 190 can each include light extraction optical elements 282, 284, 286, 288, 290 that are configured to extract light from the waveguide by redirecting the light propagating within each respective waveguide out of the waveguide, thereby outputting image information to the eye 404. At the location where the light propagating in the waveguide impinges on the light redirecting element, the extracted light beam is output from the waveguide. The light extraction optical elements 282, 284, 286, 288, 290 can be, for example, reflective or diffractive optical features. Although shown for ease of description and clarity of illustration to be disposed at the bottom major surface of waveguides 182, 184, 186, 188, 190, in some embodiments, the light extraction optical elements 282, 284, 286, 288, 290 can be disposed at the top major surface or the bottom major surface, or can be disposed directly within the body of waveguides 182, 184, 186, 188, 190. In some embodiments, the light extraction optical elements 282, 284, 286, 288, 290 can be formed in a material layer attached to a transparent substrate to form waveguides 182, 184, 186, 188, 190. In some other embodiments, waveguides 182, 184, 186, 188, 190 can be a monolithic material, and the light extraction optical elements 282, 284, 286, 288, 290 can be formed on or within the surface of the piece of material.

[0068] Continue to refer to Figure 4A, as discussed herein, each waveguide 182, 184, 186, 188, 190 is configured to output light based on a particular depth plane or viewing direction to form a rendered frame or presentation. For example, the waveguide 182 closest to the eye can be configured to deliver collimated light injected into that waveguide 182 to the eye 404. The collimated light can represent an optically infinite focal plane. The next upstream waveguide 184 can be configured to emit collimated light that passes through a first lens 192 (e.g., a negative lens) before reaching the eye 404. The first lens 192 can be configured to produce a slightly convex wavefront curvature such that the eye / brain interprets the light from this next upstream waveguide 184 as coming from a first focal plane or viewing direction that is closer to the eye 404 inward from the optically infinite. Similarly, the third upstream waveguide 186 causes its output light to pass through the first lens 192 and the second lens 194 before reaching the eye 404. The combined optical power of the first and second lenses 192 and 194 can be configured to produce another increment of wavefront curvature such that the eye / brain interprets the light from the third waveguide 186 as coming from a second focal plane or viewing direction, which is closer to the person inward from the optically infinite than the light from the next upstream waveguide 184. Thus, one or more waveguides of the waveguide stack can be configured, individually or in combination with other waveguides, as one or more pixels of a light field display.

[0069] Other waveguide layers (e.g., waveguides 188, 190) and lenses (e.g., lenses 196, 198) are configured similarly, where the highest waveguide 190 in the stack sends its output through all the lenses between it and the eye to obtain a total optical power representative of the focal plane closest to the person. To compensate for the stack of lenses 198, 196, 194, 192 when viewing / interpreting light from the world 144 on the other side of the stacked waveguide assembly 178, a compensating lens layer 180 can be provided at the top of the stack to compensate for the total optical power of the underlying lens stack 198, 196, 194, 192. This configuration provides as many perceived focal planes as there are available waveguide / lens pairings. Both the light extraction optics of the waveguides and the focusing aspects of the lenses can be static (e.g., not dynamic or electroactive). In some alternative embodiments, one or both of them can be dynamic by using electroactive features.

[0070] Continuing reference Figure 4A, the light extraction optical elements 282, 284, 286, 288, 290 can be configured to redirect light out of their respective waveguides and output the light with an appropriate amount of divergence or collimation for a particular depth plane (or viewing direction) associated with the waveguide. Thus, waveguides with different associated depth planes (or viewing directions) can have different configurations of light extraction optical elements that output light with different amounts of divergence according to the associated depth plane (or viewing direction). In some embodiments, as discussed herein, the light extraction optical elements 282, 284, 286, 288, 290 can be volume features or surface features that can be configured to output light at a particular angle. For example, the light extraction optical elements 282, 284, 286, 288, 290 can be volume holograms, surface holograms, or diffraction gratings. In other embodiments, they can simply be spacers (e.g., cladding or structures for forming an air gap).

[0071] Figure 4B An example of an output beam exiting a waveguide is shown. One waveguide is shown, but other waveguides in the waveguide assembly 178 can function similarly, where the waveguide assembly 178 includes a plurality of waveguides. Light 400 is injected into waveguide 182 at the input side 382 of the waveguide 182 and propagates within the waveguide 182 by TIR. At the point where the light 400 impinges on the light extraction optical element 282, a portion of the light exits the waveguide as an output beam 402. The output beams 402 are shown as being substantially parallel, but they can also be redirected to propagate at an angle (e.g., to form a diverging output beam) to the eye 404, the angle depending on the depth plane or viewing angle associated with the waveguide 182. Substantially parallel output beams can indicate a waveguide with a light extraction optical element that extracts light to form an image that appears to be set in a depth plane at a large distance (e.g., optically infinite) from the eye 404. Other waveguides or other sets of light extraction optical elements can output a more diverging output beam pattern, which will require the eye 404 to accommodate to a closer distance to focus on the retina, and the output beam pattern will be interpreted by the brain as light from a distance closer to the eye 404 than optically infinite.

[0072] Figure 4CSchematically shown is an example augmented reality (AR) display device and a hip pack, which may include a battery, a processor, or an illuminated fan assembly. The user 60 of the AR device is depicted as wearing a head-mounted component 58, which features a frame 64 structure that is coupled to a display system 62 located in front of the user's eyes. A speaker 66 is coupled to the frame 64 in the depicted configuration and is positioned adjacent to the user's ear canal (in one embodiment, another speaker, not shown, is positioned adjacent to the user's other ear canal to provide stereo / contour sound control). The display system 52 may include any type of augmented or virtual reality display. For example, the display system 52 may include a light field display (e.g., having a stacked waveguide assembly 178), which is generally similar to the light field display described with reference to Figure 4A and Figure 4B . The display 62 is operatively coupled 68 to a local processing and data module 70, such as via a wired lead or a wireless connection. The local processing and data module 70 may be mounted in various configurations, such as fixedly attached to the frame 64, fixedly attached to a helmet or a hat, embedded in headphones, detachably attached to the user's torso or appendage (e.g., an arm) in a belt-coupled configuration (e.g., or in a backpack configuration) or as Figure 4C shown at the hip 84 of the user 60.

[0073] The local processing and data module 70 may include a power-saving processor or controller, as well as digital memory such as flash memory, both of which may be used to assist in the processing, caching, and storage of the following data: a) data captured from sensors operatively coupled to the frame 64, such as image capture devices (e.g., cameras), microphones, inertial measurement units, accelerometers, compasses, GPS units, radios, or gyroscopes; or b) data obtained or processed using a remote processing module 72 or a remote data repository 74, which may be used to be transferred to the display 62 after such processing or retrieval. The local processing and data module 70 may be operatively coupled 76, 78 to the remote processing module 72 and the remote data repository 74, such as via a wired or wireless communication link, such that these remote modules 72, 74 are operatively coupled to each other and are available as resources to the local processing and data module 70.

[0074] In one embodiment, the remote processing module 72 may include one or more relatively powerful processors or controllers configured to analyze and process data or image information. In one embodiment, the remote data repository 74 may include a relatively large-scale digital data storage facility, which may be obtained via the Internet or other network configurations in a "cloud" resource configuration. In one embodiment, all data is stored in the local processing and data module and all calculations are performed in the local processing and data module, thereby allowing full autonomous use from any remote module.

[0075] As shown in the example of Figure 4C , the local processing and data module 70 may include a fan assembly 800b, which is designed to cool the electronics in the module 70. An example of the fan assembly 800b is described below with reference to Figures 8B to 8C . Additionally, as further described below with reference to Figures 8A to 18 , the fan assembly 800b may be illuminated (e.g., via an external light source or via a light source disposed on the fan blades) and configured to display images, one or more colors, alerts, messages, operating status of an AR display device, etc. The local processing and data module 70 or the remote processing module 72 and the remote data repository 74 may be programmed to perform processing for displaying images by the fan assembly 800b, e.g., performing the methods described with reference to Figures 14 to 16 and Figure 18 .

[0076] Alternative embodiment for displaying a 3-D representation of an object

[0077] Although Figure 1 shows an example of a display device 100 including a rotatable structure 105, where the rotatable structure 105 has four elongated elements 102 with a light field sub-display 101 disposed thereon, in other embodiments, the display device 100 may be configured differently. For example, the rotatable structure may include any number of elongated elements having any shape or size. Additionally, the rotatable structure may include a single structure having one or more arrays of light field sub-displays. Figures 5A to 5G shows some embodiments of the display device 100 according to the disclosure herein, however, other configurations are possible.

[0078] Figure 5A and 5B show the display device 100 having a different rotatable structure 105, which is configured as a propeller, where the number and arrangement of the elongated elements 102 are different from those shown in Figure 1 (the motor 104 and the control system 110 are not shown). For example, Figure 5Ashows a rotatable structure 105a including three elongated elements 102a. Similar to Figure 1 the elongated element 102, each elongated element 102a includes a plurality of light field sub-displays 101. Although Figure 5A shows an arrangement of three equally spaced elongated elements 102a, the elongated elements 102a need not be equally spaced, but may have any spacing therebetween. Figure 5B shows another example of a rotatable structure 105b, which includes six elongated elements 102b. The lengths or widths of the elongated elements need not be equal. In addition, as Figure 5A and 5B shown, the number of light field sub-displays 101 on each elongated element (102a, 102b) is the same, which need not be the case for all rotatable structure designs. The number of light field sub-displays 101 can vary according to the needs of a particular application of the display device 100.

[0079] In some embodiments, the elongated elements need not be straight, but may have any non-straight shape (e.g., curved, arcuate, segmented, etc.). For example, Figure 5C shows another rotatable structure 105c, the elongated element 102c of which has an arcuate shape, where the arc is along the same plane on which the light field sub-displays 101 are disposed. For example, the elongated element 102c is curved along a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis 120 of the rotatable structure 105c.

[0080] In some embodiments, the elongated elements need not have a square or rectangular cross-section. For example, each elongated element may have a circular or oval cross-section. In other embodiments, the elongated elements may have a cross-section of any polygonal shape (e.g., cross-section shapes of triangle, pentagon, hexagon, etc.). Although Figure 1 and 5A to 5G the illustrated embodiments show a plurality of light field sub-displays 101 disposed along a single planar surface perpendicular to the rotation axis 120, this need not be the case. For example, referring to Figure 5A , the light field sub-displays 101a (shown in dashed lines) may optionally be disposed on other surfaces of the elongated elements.

[0081] Similarly, each elongated element may rotate about a second rotation axis different from the rotation axis 120 of the rotatable structure. For example, referring to Figure 5A , each elongated element 102a may have an axis 530 extending along the elongated element. Then, the display device 100 may be configured to rotate one or more of the elongated elements 105a about its own axis 530, either individually or in combination.

[0082] In some embodiments, the display device 100 may include a plurality of rotatable structures. For example,Figure 5D Shows a plurality of rotatable structures 105d and 105e, which rotate independently of each other about a rotation axis 120. Figure 5D Shows two rotatable structures (105d, 105e), but 3, 4, 5 or more rotatable structures can be used. As Figure 5D shown, the number of the elongate elements 102d and 102e need not be the same on each rotatable structure. However, they can have the same number, shape and arrangement on two rotatable structures. In some embodiments, the rotational speed or direction of rotation of the rotatable structure 105d is the same as that of the rotatable structure 105e. In another embodiment, the rotational speed or direction of rotation is different for different rotatable structures. For example, the rotatable structures rotate in opposite directions. In addition, the number of the optical field displays 101 provided on each rotatable structure need not be the same or need not adopt the same arrangement.

[0083] In some embodiments, as an addition to or an alternative to using a plurality of elongate elements, the rotatable structure 105 of the display device 100 may include a transparent element that can be rotated by a motor 104. The transparent element can be a plexiglass disk or a thin 2-D polymer, thermoplastic or acrylic element. For example, Figure 5E and 5F shows an example of such an arrangement. Figure 5E is a perspective view of an exemplary rotatable structure 105f including a transparent element 510. Figure 5F is Figure 5E a cross-sectional view of the display device 100 taken along the line A-A shown above. As described above, the optical field displays 101 can be attached to the transparent element 510 in any suitable arrangement and illuminated by the control system 110. As Figure 5E and 5F shown, the optical field displays 101 can be arranged on the surface of the transparent element 510 along the elongate direction 502f such that the arrangement of the optical field displays 101 is similar to Figure 1 and 5A -5C shows the arrangement along the elongate element 102. Although Figure 5F shows the optical field displays 101 located on the upper surface of the transparent element 510, however, the optical field displays 101 can be attached to the lower surface of the transparent element 510 or disposed within the transparent element 510. For example, the optical field displays 101 can be attached to the surface of a first transparent disk, and then a second transparent disk is disposed above the first disk. These embodiments can advantageously protect the sub-displays from being touched by viewers or from environmental damage.

[0084] The material of the transparent element 510 can be selected to have no or minimal effect on the optical properties of the light transmission from each light field sub-display 101 (e.g., the material is substantially transparent in the visible light). In other embodiments, the transparent element 510 can include color filtering, polarization correction, or other optical properties to be imparted to the light emitted from the light field sub-display 101. Figure 5E and 5F A non-limiting advantage of the display device is that the light field sub-display 101 is attached to or housed in a rotating disk, which can minimize the risk of foreign objects (e.g., the hand of a person viewing the image) being inserted Figure 1 and 5A between each arm of the propeller embodiment shown in FIGS. 5C, thereby reducing the likelihood of damaging the display device 100 or injuring foreign objects.

[0085] Figure 5G FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a stationary display device. The display device 500 includes an array of light field sub-displays 101 disposed on a transparent substrate 550. Figure 5G An 11×11 array of the light field sub-displays 101 is schematically shown. However, an n×m array of light field sub-displays of any size can be implemented. A subset of the array of light field sub-displays 101 can be illuminated by the control system 110 to form an elongated feature 502g to produce any number or arrangement of elongated elements 502g. The subset array of the illuminated light field sub-displays 101 can be changed at a rotational speed such that the elongated feature 502g rotates electrically around the display device 500. In fact, by sequentially illuminating the elongated feature 502g of the light field sub-displays 101, the control system 110 can electronically simulate the physical rotation of the propeller blades.

[0086] For each moment of rotation of the elongated feature 502g, the subset array of the light field sub-displays 101 that constitutes the elongated feature 502g changes. Thus, by turning on or off the light field sub-displays 101 or gating them, the elongated feature 502g can appear to rotate around the path 503. When the elongated feature 502g “rotates”, the light field sub-displays 101 in the subset array of the light field sub-displays 101 are controlled by the controller 110 to display a 3-D representation of an image. Figure 5G A non-limiting advantage of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is that the display device 500 has no mechanical rotating components, and rotation is imparted to the light field sub-displays 101 through the processing of the controller. Thus, there is no rotatable structure that could cause damage or injury to the surrounding area. In Figure 5GIn the illustrated embodiment, since the display device 500 is stationary, a motor is not used. However, in other embodiments, a motor may be used to rotate the substrate 550 such that a combination of a physical rotation of the substrate 500 and an electronic "rotation" of the illuminated light field sub-display 101 provides a light field image.

[0087] Example non-planar light field display device

[0088] Figure 6A and Figure 6B are perspective views of an example of the display device 100 and multiple viewers 620a, 620b viewing an example image 610 (an image of a dog) displayed by the display device 100 in different viewing directions. Figure 6A and Figure 6B The illustrated display device 100 may be substantially similar to Figure 1 and Figures 5A to 5G the display device 100.

[0089] Figure 6A Viewer 620a is shown, which is located generally in front of the display device 100, for example, at a small angle with respect to the direction of the rotation axis 120. The field of view of the display device 100 for viewer 620a is shown as dashed line 615a. For viewer 620a, the field of view 615a is wide enough to fully view the image displayed by the display device 100.

[0090] In contrast, Figure 6B viewer 620b is shown positioned such that viewer 620b is viewing image 610 projected by the display device 100 at an angle offset from the rotation axis 120. As viewer 620b views image 610 at an angle that gradually increases with respect to the rotation axis 120, the field of view 615b may gradually narrow. This narrow field of view 615b may result in a distorted image, a flat image, or even an invisible image. In some embodiments, this may be because the light field sub-display 101 is being viewed from an increasingly oblique angle and the light field sub-display 101 cannot direct light at an increasingly large angle with respect to the rotation axis 120. Due to the 3-D light field nature of the light projected from the display device 100, off-axis viewers (e.g., viewer 620b) will perceive different perspectives of the image 610 projected from the display.

[0091] Therefore, Figure 7 an embodiment of the display device 100 is shown that is configured to display a 3-D representation of an object at a greater angle with respect to the rotation axis 120. Figure 7 A perspective view of an example of the display device 100 is shown, where the rotatable structure 105 is curved to protrude towards viewers 720a, 720b.

[0092] InFigure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the elongate element 102 of the rotatable structure 105 bends outward from a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation 120 to achieve a protrusion. The advantage of the display device 100 with the rotatable structure 105 having a protrusion is that a viewer (e.g., viewer 720b) not located directly in front of the display device (e.g., like viewer 720a) can see a substantial field of view 715b of the display device 100 (e.g., a field of view increased compared to Figure 6A and 6B the flat rotatable structure).

[0093] The curvature of the elongate element 102 can be selected to provide a desired field of view for the display device 100. The curvature does not need to be constant along the elongate element 102, or does not need to be the same for each elongate element 102. For example, each elongate element 102 can have a different radius of curvature, or a single elongate element 102 can have a radius of curvature depending on the distance from the axis of rotation or along the elongate element 102.

[0094] In addition, although Figure 7 the display device 100 is shown having a rotatable structure 105 similar to Figure 1 the rotatable structure 105, in other embodiments, the display device 100 can include any of the rotatable structures described herein.

[0095] Example display device including a fan assembly

[0096] Although Figure 1 an example of a display device 100 including a rotatable structure 105 having an elongate element 102 with an optical sub-display 101 disposed thereon is shown, in other embodiments, the display device 100 can be configured differently. For example, the display device 100 can include a fan assembly. In such an embodiment, the fan assembly can include a rotatable structure that includes a plurality of fan blades having any shape, size, or positional relationship relative to other fan blades or relative to the axis of rotation about which the rotatable structure rotates. The rotatable structure can include any number of fan blades required to meet the fan specification requirements for a particular thermal system application. The rotatable structure can further include a central hub, which can be circular or any other desired shape, and can be centered on the axis of rotation of the rotatable structure. In some embodiments, the fan blades can extend radially outward from the central hub. The fan blades can include an elongate element 102 as described above with respect to Figure 1 described.

[0097] Any other part of the fan blades or the rotatable structure can include one or more light sources mounted thereon or embedded therein. In some embodiments, the light sources can include as described above in connection withFigures 1 to 3C The light field display 101 described above. For example, a plurality of pixels 205 may be configured to project light toward a microlens array, where the light may be redirected in a manner substantially similar to the manner described above in connection with Figures 3A to 3C the manner described above. Other configurations of the relationship between the light source, the light redirecting element, and the components are possible. For example, the fan blade may include a combination of both a light field display and other light sources such as LEDs.

[0098] In some embodiments, the light source may be physically spaced apart from the fan blade or any other part of the rotatable structure, but may be in optical communication with the fan blade or any other part of the rotatable structure directly or indirectly. In such embodiments, the fan blade or other parts of the rotatable structure may be configured to reflect light from the spaced-apart light source to project the image to be displayed. In some embodiments, on-board light sources and spaced-apart light sources may be used in combination.

[0099] Figure 8A and Figures 9A to 9D illustrates some example embodiments of a fan assembly for displaying an image according to the disclosure herein. However, other configurations are possible. Generally, as used herein, a fan assembly may include a fan (e.g., a desktop fan) or a component for cooling another device (e.g., a computer or an AR device) when electromechanically coupled to the other device. The fan assembly may also include, for example, the part of the fan that is the rotatable fan blade, which is combined with other components (e.g., a motor, a base, a cage surrounding the fan blade, etc.) to form a complete fan.

[0100] Figure 8A is a perspective view of an example display device 100 and a viewer 820 viewing an example image 810 (e.g., in this example, the example image 810 is a dog) displayed by the display device. Unless otherwise specified, Figure 8A the components of Figure 1 and Figure 7 may include components similar to the components with the same reference numerals shown in

[0101] As shown in the embodiment shown in Figure 8A the display device 100 may include a fan assembly 800a. The fan assembly 800a may include a rotatable structure 805a and may further include fan blades 802a. In certain embodiments, the rotatable structure 805a may include an embodiment of the elongate element 102 described herein (e.g., see Figure 1 、 Figures 5A to 5D and Figures 6A to 7)。Generally, the fan assembly 800a can include any fan or machine having a rotatable structure 805a that includes a plurality of fan blades 802a, and the plurality of fan blades 802a have a plurality of light sources disposed on at least a portion of at least one fan blade 802a. In some embodiments, the light source can include the light field display 101 as described above in connection with Figures 2A to 3B ; however, other types of light sources and light redirectors can also be used.

[0102] Referring again to Figure 8A , the fan blade 802a can be configured to rotate about the rotation axis 120 to generate a directed fluid flow of a medium (e.g., air in some embodiments) around the fan blade 802a. Although Figure 8A the fan assembly 800a is shown as a household stand fan, other configurations are possible. For example, the fan assembly 800a can include a stand desk fan, a clip fan including a spring-loaded fastener, a box fan, a wall-mounted fan, a ceiling fan, a window fan, a table fan, a cooling fan, a fan configured to cool electronic devices or computer components, a fan for a mobile device, a centrifugal fan, a propeller for an aircraft, an engine turbine, etc.

[0103] Figure 8A A viewer 820 is also shown generally in front of the display device 100. As described in connection with Figures 1 to 4B , the light field display 101 that can be disposed on the fan blade 802a is configured to generate and redirect light in a desired pattern and frequency when the fan blade 802a is rotated about the rotation axis 120 at a desired rotational speed by the motor 804a. Thus, the image 810 (e.g., the image 810 is a dog in this example) is displayed as a 3-D representation of the image. Accordingly, as described throughout this disclosure, the viewer 820 is able to view the image 810 within the viewer's 820 field of view (as indicated by the dashed line 815).

[0104] As Figure 8A shown, the fan assembly 800a can be coupled to a control system 110 that can be configured to drive the fan assembly 800a, as described above in connection with Figure 1As described above, the control system 110 can be coupled to the fan assembly 800a via a wired or wireless link 850a. In some embodiments, the wired link 850a can be inserted into an opening in the support 830 of the motor 804a and the fan blade 802a. The wired link can further pass through the housing 860a, which can at least partially surround the rotatable structure 805a. The rotatable structure 805a or the fan blade 802a can include a plurality of cavities or paths arranged to receive a wired communication line between each light field display 101 and the control system 110. Embodiments of both the wired link and the wireless link provide communication for controlling the motor 804a and operating at least one light source component (such as at least one light field display (not shown)) provided on the fan blade 802a to project the image 810 towards the viewer 820.

[0105] The fan blade 802a can include a shape, number, or rotational speed about the axis of rotation 120 based on the intended use of the fan assembly 800a. The fan blade 802a can be configured to generate an air flow based on rotation about the axis of rotation 120, wherein the volumetric flow rate of the generated air flow can be based on the intended use of the fan assembly 800a (e.g., a house fan, a propeller for an aircraft, an engine turbine, etc.). For example, the fan blade 802a can include a contoured shape, an angular position relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation 120, or a specific surface size such that the fan blade 802a is configured to cause an air flow during rotation of the fan blade 802a to move air or other fluid medium from one side of the fan assembly 800a to the other side. The shape of the fan blade 802a can be based on fluid dynamics, aerodynamics, etc. to provide desired air flow characteristics. In some embodiments, the fan blade shape can be configured to optimize the air flow. In embodiments in which the light field display 101 is provided thereon, design features of the fan blade, such as the shape, size, number, material, and position of the fan blade, can be selected to accommodate changes in weight, rotational inertia, and balance that may occur when including a light field display component on the fan blade 802a. Design features of the fan blade 802a can further be selected to account for additional drag caused by the light field display 101 mounted or otherwise provided on the fan blade 802a. In some embodiments, the light field display 101 or other light source can be embedded in the fan blade 802a to reduce drag by providing a substantially flush surface 808a. Other configurations are possible.

[0106] In some embodiments, the shape can also be configured to anisotropically direct light into an array of beams propagating at different exit angles to generate an image. The fan blade 802a can have a shape that varies along any one of the length, width, or depth of the fan blade 802a. In some embodiments, the fan blade 802a can be flatter near the axis of rotation 120 (e.g., having a surface that is positioned closer parallel to a reference plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation 120), and as the radial distance from the axis of rotation 120 increases, the angle with respect to this reference plane increases. In some embodiments, the fan blade can have an inclined surface that is planar with respect to a normal reference plane of the axis of rotation 120 or at a constant angle with respect to this normal reference plane. In other embodiments, the fan blade can have a curved or equivalent depth, width, or length, each of which can vary with the radial distance from the axis of rotation 120. In various embodiments, the shape of the fan blade 802a can have an equivalent depth with respect to a virtual plane (not shown) perpendicular to the axis of rotation 120. For example, the fan blade 802a can have a contoured surface 808a (e.g., the surface from which light is directed), and this contoured surface 808a has a difference in contour angle with respect to the axis of rotation 120. In embodiments having a light field display mounted on or embedded in the fan blade 802a, the light field display can be disposed along the length, width, or depth dimension of the fan blade 802a such that light can be projected at any desired angle to produce the displayed image 810.

[0107] The particular contours of the fan blade 802a can also be advantageously used in other embodiments. For example, in embodiments having spaced-apart light sources that project or direct light toward the fan blade 802a for redirection, the particular shape and angle of the fan blade 802a with respect to the light sources can affect the displayed image 810. In various embodiments, one or more of the contour, size, shape, and number of the fan blades can be selected to achieve desired air flow characteristics as well as light reflection or redirection characteristics. In embodiments having fan blades angled with respect to a reference plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation 120, the light can travel while changing the distance from the light source display before reaching the contoured surface 808a (e.g., Figures 12A to 12C ). Without being bound to any particular scientific theory, this can be advantageous in projecting a display image 810 having particular visual characteristics. In particular, changing the optical path distance between the light source and the redirection point can allow for the presentation of three-dimensional images. In another example, the light can originate from a source directed at a given viewing direction (e.g., via a light field display or other light manipulation element), where the viewing direction is at an angle with respect to the axis of rotation 120, e.g., on one side of the fan assembly 800 (e.g.,Figures 8A to 9D ) Other configurations are possible.

[0108] In some embodiments, the fan blade 802a may include an arrangement of the optical field sub - display 101 that is balanced for the fan blade 802a. For example and without being bound by scientific theory, it may be desirable to balance multiple fan blades 802a with respect to each other to reduce induced noise and vibration. Thus, additional features disposed thereon (e.g., the optical field sub - display 101, leads for controlling the sub - display 101, etc.) may be balanced within each fan blade 802a, with respect to the fan blades 802a with respect to each other, or throughout the rotatable structure 805a such that a desired symmetry or balance is achieved.

[0109] In some embodiments, the fan assembly 800a may be configured to disperse heat from other nearby objects. Thus, the fan blade 802a may be shaped or driven to remove heat from these objects. However, the optical field sub - display thereon may generate additional heat during operation. Thus, the control system 101 may be configured to control the rotation of the fan blade 802a or the operation of the optical field sub - display to reduce, mitigate, or counteract the effects of any heat generated by the optical field sub - display.

[0110] In Figure 8A In the illustrated embodiment, the fan assembly 800a may include a housing 860a that is configured to at least partially enclose the fan blade 802a and the motor 804a. In some embodiments, the housing 860a may include a plurality of housing surfaces (not shown) that are configured to be connected together by fasteners or other mechanical connectors. In some embodiments, the housing 860a may include an array of wires forming a mesh (e.g., a cage) that includes a plurality of openings for allowing fluid to flow through the housing 860a while enclosing the rotatable structure 805a. In some embodiments, the housing 860a is optional. In this example, the hub 827a may be disposed generally at the axis of rotation 120, e.g., above the motor 804a in this example. The hub 837a may be part of the housing 860a or may be a separate component. In some embodiments, the hub 837a may be coupled to the rotatable assembly 805a or may be integrally formed with the rotatable assembly 805a.

[0111] The fan assembly 800a may include a support 830 that provides structural support to the fan assembly 800a. In some embodiments, the support 830a may include a bracket that includes a base 832 and a support arm 835. In other embodiments, the support 830 may be part of the housing 860, e.g., a box fan.

[0112] Figure 8B and Figure 8CA plan view and a side view of another exemplary embodiment of a fan assembly are shown. FIG. Figure 8B is a plan view of a fan assembly 800b, which is, for example, a fan configured to cool an electronic device (e.g., a computer, a mobile device, an augmented reality device, etc.) or to disperse heat from a surrounding area. Figure 8C is Figure 8B a schematic side cross-sectional view of the fan assembly 800b along section line A-A. Unless otherwise specified, Figure 8B and Figure 8C the components shown may include components similar to those with similar numbers shown in Figure 8A As shown in Figure 8B and Figure 8C the fan assembly 800b may include a frame assembly, which may have a first support frame 865a and a second support frame 865b coupled to the first frame 865a. A rotatable structure 805b may be disposed between the first support frame 865a and the second support frame 865b, for example, within an enclosure defined by the frames 865a, 865b. The rotatable structure 805b may include a hub 827b and one or more blades 802b (e.g., fan blades) coupled to or extending from the hub 827b. The hub 827b may be coupled to a shaft assembly 823. In some embodiments, a bushing may be disposed between the shaft assembly 823 and the hub 827b. In some embodiments, the rotatable structure 805b may rotate relative to the rotationally fixed shaft assembly 823. In other embodiments, the rotatable structure 805b may rotate with the rotating shaft assembly 823.

[0113] As Figure 8C shown, a first end 833 of the shaft assembly 823 may be supported by or coupled to the first support frame 865a (e.g., coupled to a support structure defined by the frame or including the frame, coupled to a motor, etc.). For example, in Figure 8C an embodiment, the first end 833 of the shaft assembly 823 may be fixed to the first support frame 865a at a first shaft support 834 of the first support frame 865a. In various embodiments, the first end 833 may be welded, glued, or press-fit onto the frame 865a. The first shaft support 834 may include a part of a structure defined by the first support frame 865a. In other embodiments, the first support frame 865a may include a motor 804b such that the first end 833 of the shaft assembly 823 may be fixed to the motor 804b and the shaft support 834 includes a part of the motor 804b. Any suitable structure may be used as the shaft support 834 to fix the first end 833 of the shaft assembly 823.

[0114] In some embodiments, the rotatable structure 805b may include a light source (e.g., a light field display or other light-emitting element), which may add additional weight or air resistance to the fan blades, which may affect the rotation of the rotatable structure 805b. Such additional structures may cause an increase in the lateral load applied to the shaft assembly 823 (e.g., a load transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly). Thus, in some embodiments, controlling the lateral load applied to the shaft assembly 823 (e.g., a load transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly) may be beneficial in reducing noise and vibration and reducing the risk of fatigue, wear, or overloading conditions. Thus, in Figure 8B and Figure 8C embodiments, a second support frame 865b may be provided to reduce the lateral load on the shaft assembly 823. The second support frame 865b may be coupled to the first support frame 865a and may be disposed at or above the second end 836 of the shaft assembly 823 so as to control the lateral load at the second end 836. In Figure 8B and Figure 8C , the second support frame 865b may include a second shaft support 826 coupled to the second end 836. The second shaft support 826 may be rigidly attached to the second support frame 865b across at least a portion of the air flow opening 829. In some embodiments, the second shaft support 826 may include a pin or other connector that rigidly attaches the second end 836 of the shaft assembly 823 to the frame 865b. In various embodiments, the second shaft support 826 may be connected concentrically or axially with respect to the axis of rotation 120 about which the shaft assembly 823 or the rotatable structure 805b rotates. Positioning the second shaft support 826 along or with respect to the axis of rotation 120 can beneficially reduce the deflection of the shaft assembly 823 and improve the rotation of the rotatable structure 805b.

[0115] In Figure 8B and Figure 8C embodiments, the second shaft support 826 may include an elongate member 825a (sometimes referred to as a follower arm), or be connected to the elongate member 825a between a first end 825b and a second end 825c of the elongate member 825a. As Figure 8B shown, the first end 825b of the elongate member 825a may be supported at a first portion of the second support frame 865b, and the second end 825c of the elongate member 825a may be supported at a second portion of the second support frame 865b. The first end 825b and the second end 825c may be spaced apart around the perimeter of the air flow opening 829 (e.g., as Figure 8BAs shown, it is generally disposed on opposite sides of the air flow opening 329). Other configurations are possible, such as the first end 825b and the second end 825c do not have to be directly opposite, but can be disposed at any position around the air flow opening 829.

[0116] Without being bound to any scientific theory, rigidly supporting the second end 836 of the shaft assembly 823 in addition to supporting the first end 833 can beneficially control the lateral load on the shaft assembly 823 and can reduce or eliminate the deflection of the shaft assembly 823 (e.g., vibrations due to wear or imbalance of the rotatable structure 805b). However, since the elongated member 825a can span across the entire air flow opening 829 or a portion thereof, the elongated member 825 can interfere with the inflowing air entering the fan assembly 800b through the air flow opening 829. In addition, the elongated member 825a can interfere with the displayed image by, for example, blocking a subset of the light emitted by the volumetric display 101, which can be disposed on a part of the rotatable structure 805a such as the fan blade 802a. Thus, some embodiments can include additional instructions in the memory 114 of the control system 110, the additional instructions being configured to cause the hardware processor 112 to consider the interference. For example, the control system 110 can be configured to drive a first subset of the volumetric display 101 corresponding to the region of the air flow opening 829 without the elongated member 825 based on the image data, while turning off a second subset of the volumetric display 101 corresponding to the elongated member or otherwise making it inoperative. In embodiments where the volumetric display 101 will periodically pass under the elongated member 825a during rotation, the control system 110 can be configured to adapt to this optical path interruption correspondingly. For example, the volumetric display can be controlled to turn off at a time or position corresponding to the time or position when the volumetric display is under the elongated member 825.

[0117] In another embodiment (e.g., Figures 11 to 13A) The control system 110 can be configured to drive a first region of the display 1000 corresponding to the region of the airflow opening 829 that does not have the elongate member 825, while closing a second region of the display corresponding to the elongate member or otherwise rendering the display inoperative. Other configurations are possible. For example, the size of the image displayed by the light field sub-display can be reduced to the exposed area of the airflow opening (not shown). In another embodiment, the light field sub-displays 101 corresponding to individual fan blades 802a, 802b can be driven separately from other fan blades or a determined subset of the light field sub-displays 101 on each fan blade. In another embodiment, for example, if the housing or other element extends into the airflow opening or extends over a portion of the blade or rotating member, the first subset and the second subset of the light field sub-displays 101 can be driven based on the exposed area of the fan blades 802a, 802b.

[0118] Figures 9A to 9C Illustrates various examples of fan assemblies (e.g., fan assemblies 800a, 800b, hereinafter collectively referred to as "800") that can be included in a display device as described above in Figure 8A The following description is made with reference to the fan assembly 800; however, any fan assembly 800 can represent the fan assemblies 800a, 800b or any other fan assembly according to the embodiments herein. Additionally, reference will be made to, for example, the fan blades 802, the motor 804, and the rotatable structure 805, which can respectively represent the fan blades 802a, 802b, the motors 804a, 804b, and the rotatable structures 805a, 805b. Other reference numerals will be used in a similar manner. This is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting. The embodiments and concepts described herein can be applied to any fan blade, motor, rotatable structure, or fan assembly, such as but not limited to Figure 8B and Figure 8C the fan assembly 800b.

[0119] Returning to Figures 9A to 9C , one or more fan blades 802 can include a plurality of light field sub-displays 101 (support members 830, housing 865, and control system 110 not shown) arranged in different configurations along the fan blade 802. As used herein, each fan blade 802 can indicate Figure 1 an example elongate element 102. For example, Figure 8A illustrates a rotatable structure 805 including three fan blades 802. Associated with Figure 5AThe elongated element 102a is similar, and each fan blade 802 includes a plurality of light field displays 101 arranged in a 1×m array of the light field display 101 (where m is the number of light field displays along the length of the fan blade 802). In some embodiments, an n×m array of light field displays may be used to cover as many or as few fan blades as desired. Other configurations and types of light sources may also be used.

[0120] Figure 9B Another example of a rotatable structure 805 including three fan blades 802 is shown, with another arrangement of light field displays 101 on the three fan blades 802. Each fan blade 802 may include a plurality of edges that form the profile of the fan blade 802. The plurality of edges may include a leading edge 803a, a radial edge 803b, and a trailing edge 803c (collectively referred to hereinafter as "edges 803"). One or more of the edges 803 of the fan blade 802 may include a plurality of light field displays disposed along the length of the edge. For example, Figure 9B A plurality of light field displays 101 disposed along the front source 803a are shown. Other configurations are possible. For example, the plurality of light field displays 101 may be disposed along the trailing edge 803c, the radial edge 803b, or a combination of one or more of the edges 803.

[0121] Figure 9C Another example of a rotatable structure 805 including a plurality of fan blades 802 is shown, with another arrangement of light field displays 101 on the plurality of fan blades 802. As Figure 9C shown, the fan blade 802 may include a plurality of light field displays arranged in an array corresponding to a portion of the surface of the fan blade 802. The surface of the fan blade 802 may correspond to the viewing direction (e.g., the reference viewing direction along the rotation axis 120, as Figure 8A shown). The light field displays 101 may be arranged in a pattern or ordered array as Figure 9C shown. In another embodiment, the light field displays 101 may be arranged in any configuration, for example, randomly or disorderly. The arrangement of the light field displays 101 may vary based on the specific application of the fan assembly 800.

[0122] Figure 9D Another example of a fan assembly 800 for displaying a perceived 3-D representation of an image 810 is shown. Figure 9D Shown is a fan assembly 800 that may be substantially similar to the Figure 9A fan assembly 800. Additionally, Figure 9DThe illustrated embodiment includes a three-dimensional geometric component configured to facilitate the display of an image 810. The geometric component may include a transparent or translucent material (e.g., plastic, glass, etc.) and may be configured to reflect light from a light field display 101 (or a light source in some embodiments) to produce the image 810. For example, as Figure 9D shown, a geometric component 910 having a pyramid shape and made of a transparent material may be positioned between a viewer (e.g., viewer 820) and a fan assembly 800. Light from an on-board light source of the fan assembly 800 may be reflected by the geometric component 910 to produce one or more 2-D images. The images may be viewed by the viewer and appear as a 3-D representation of the image 810 that is hovering above the fan assembly 800 and contained within the geometric component 910. Other arrangements are possible (e.g., an inverted geometric component 910). Additionally, the geometric component 910 may be used in combination with any other embodiment disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the geometric component 910 may be a plurality of planar surfaces joined together to form a pyramid shape; alternatively, a solid geometric component 910 may be used.

[0123] Although specific configurations are described above, these are for illustrative purposes only. Other configurations are possible. For example, Figures 9A to 9D an arrangement of three equally spaced fan blades 802 is shown; however, the fan blades 802 need not be equally spaced and may have any spacing between them. Additionally, there need not be three fan blades 802, but any number of fan blades 802 may be present (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 5, etc.). In some embodiments, multiple light field displays 101 may be provided above the motor 104 (e.g., on a cover or hub assembly (not shown)). Additionally, although Figures 9A to 9D a symmetric arrangement of light field displays 101 on each fan blade 802 is shown, this is not required and each fan blade 802 may include any combination of arrangements of light field displays.

[0124] Example planar display device

[0125] Figure 10 is a perspective view schematically showing another example display device 1100. Figure 10An example of a display device 1000 (e.g., a flat screen or a flat-panel television in this example) including a plurality of light sources 1001 is shown. The display 1000 can be configured to display an object image as a 2-D image (e.g., a flat-panel television) or a 3-D image (e.g., a stereoscopic image or a light field image display). The display device 1000 includes a display panel 1005 surrounded by a bezel 1015. The display panel 1005 can include an array of light sources 1001, which is disposed on a viewing surface of the display panel 1005 and is configured to be viewed in a reference viewing direction 1020. In some embodiments, the display panel can include a 1-D or 2-D array of light sources 1001, e.g., Figure 10 the 11×11 array of light sources shown. The reference viewing direction 1020 can be perpendicular to the plane of the display panel 1005. The reference viewing direction 1020 thus points in the direction of a viewer located directly in front of the display. In some embodiments (e.g., Figure 11 ), the reference viewing direction 1020 can be substantially parallel to the rotation axis 120. The display 1000 can include an optional pedestal or stand (not shown) to provide structural support and to fix the display 1000 in a position relative to other devices and systems described throughout this disclosure (e.g., vertical or horizontal as Figure 11 shown). Although Figure 10 an 11×11 light source array is depicted, it should be understood that this is for illustrative purposes and that any other number or dimension n×m (n, m = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 20, 30, 64, 100, 512, 768, 1024, 1280, 1920, 3840, or any other integer) is possible.

[0126] The display 1000 can communicate with a control system (e.g., Figure 1 the control system 110) either wired or wirelessly. The control system can be configured to control the light emitted from the display 1000 in accordance with the disclosure herein. Referring to Figure 11 , one possible way to achieve a 3-D representation of a displayed object is that the plurality of light sources 1001 can be light field sub-displays configured to anisotropically direct light into beams propagating at different exit angles to generate a light field image (e.g., Figures 2A to 4B)。The fan assembly 800 disposed relative to the display 1000 can then interact with the light to generate a 3-D image (e.g., by modulating the light or including other optical components to otherwise direct the light to form a 3-D image). However, other configurations are possible. For example, the light source 1001 can include liquid crystal (LC), light emitting diode (LED), organic LED (OLED), or any other type of pixel structure configured to emit light for rendering an image. Other light sources can include lasers, fiber optics, or any structure configured to emit light that can be manipulated to render an image. In some embodiments, the display 1000 can include a spatial light modulator configured to spatially or temporally change the perceived intensity of light projected from the display 1000. Examples of spatial light modulators include liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and digital light processing (DLP) displays, where the liquid crystal display (LCD) includes a liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) display. In some embodiments, the light source 1001 can be configured to emit multiple colors for rendering an image (e.g., red, green, and blue; cyan, magenta, and yellow; etc.). The display 1000 can include lenses, waveguides, diffractive or reflective elements, baffles, or other optical elements to direct, guide, or focus light from the light source towards a rotatable structure such as the blades of a fan or onto a rotatable structure such as the blades of a fan.

[0127] Example device for displaying an image using light directed towards a fan assembly

[0128] Although Figures 8A to 9D an example of a display device 100 including a fan assembly 800 with fan blades 802 having a plurality of optical sub-displays 101 disposed thereon is shown, in other embodiments, the display device 100 can be configured differently. As described above, controlling the lateral loads applied to the components of the fan assembly can help reduce noise and vibration and mitigate the risk of fatigue, wear, or overloading conditions. Without being bound to any scientific theory, additional structures (such as light sources) disposed on the propeller (e.g., Figure 1 and Figures 5A to 5F ) or fan blades (e.g., Figures 9A to 9D ) can have the disadvantage of increasing the weight and air flow resistance that affect the rotation of the fan (e.g., causing additional noise or vibration).

[0129] Accordingly, it may be advantageous to provide a display device 100 including a rotatable structure that does not include a light source disposed thereon (e.g., on a fan blade or propeller). In some embodiments, the light source may be disposed relative to the rotatable structure (e.g., rotatable structures 105, 805) and configured to illuminate a portion of the surface of the rotatable structure. The rotatable structure may be configured to redirect light (e.g., reflect, refract, transmit, or otherwise manipulate light) to produce an image representing an object. In some embodiments, the rotatable structure may include fan blades having an isosceles shape configured to anisotropically direct light to an array of light beams propagating at different exit angles to generate an image. The image may include a 2-D image or a 3-D image. Figures 11 to 13B Some of the embodiments of the display device 100 according to the disclosure herein are shown, however, other configurations are possible. Unless otherwise specified, Figures 11 to 13B the components of the display device 100 in Figures 8A to 9D may include components similar to those with similar reference numerals shown in

[0130] Figure 11 is a perspective view schematically showing an example display device 100. In this embodiment, the display device includes a fan assembly (e.g., Figure 8B the fan assembly 800b of Figure 10 ), a display (e.g., Figure 11 the display 1000 of Figure 8C and Figure 8C ). However, for a particular implementation of the display device, these components may optionally be included as desired.

[0131] The display 1000 is positioned relative to the fan assembly 800b. For example, Figure 11 shows the display 1000, which is along a reference viewing direction 1020 (Figure 10 ) is disposed at a distance from the fan assembly 800b. In some embodiments, the reference viewing direction 1020 may be substantially parallel to the rotation axis 120. Figure 10 As described, the display 1000 may include a plurality of light sources 101 configured to emit light generally toward the fan assembly 800b (as shown by a plurality of light rays 1040). For example, the light source 101 may include an LED that emits a plurality of colors of light toward the rotatable structure 805b. In some embodiments, the display 1000 may also rotate about the same or separate rotation axes, which may be substantially parallel to the reference viewing direction 1020.

[0132] The rotatable structure 805b includes a plurality of fan blades 802b. Each fan blade 802b may include a plurality of surfaces 807, such as a proximal surface 807a, a first side surface 807b, a second side surface 807c, and a distal surface 807d. Light from the display 1000 is incident on one or more surfaces 807 (e.g., Figure 11 On the proximal surface 807a) in the illustrative embodiment of. Figure 11 The surface 807a of can be designed to have isotropic shapes or angled shapes that are configured to anisotropically guide light into an array of beams propagating at different exit angles to generate an image (e.g., as described above in conjunction with Figures 3A to 3C For example, the shape of the surface 807a can be designed to have depth and iso-shape to direct one or more light rays 1040 into different directions to generate an image.

[0133] As described above, the fan assembly 800b or the display 1000 may communicate wired or wirelessly with the control system 110. The control system 110 includes a memory (e.g., memory 114) storing instructions that, when executed by a processor (e.g., processor 112), are configured to: drive the display 1000 to emit light indicative of a desired image; drive the rotatable structure 805b to rotate at a desired rotation rate; and generate an image based on light 1040 that may be redirected (e.g., reflected, transmitted, refracted, or other methods of optically redirecting light incident thereon) by the fan blades 802b.

[0134] although Figure 11 The display device 100 including the fan assembly 800 b is shown, but other configurations are possible. For example, the fan assembly 800 b may be connected to the Figure 8A The fan assembly 800a or any other fan assembly type as described above may be interchanged. Reference to the fan assembly 800b is for illustration purposes only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0135] Figures 12A to 12CVarious examples of the display device 100 are schematically shown. Figures 12A to 12C In addition to showing the display device 100 including the fan assembly 800a, Figures 12A to 12C The display device 100 and Figure 11 The display device 100 is basically similar to the display device 100 of FIG. Figure 11 The description also applies to Figures 12A to 12C , unless otherwise indicated. For example, Figure 12A A display device 100 including a fan assembly 800a is depicted. Although reference is made to the fan assembly 800a, the description herein may also apply to Figure 8B The fan assembly 800b. Figure 8A As described above, the shape of fan blade 800a can be optimized based on the multiple parameters discussed above. In some embodiments, the shape can also be configured so that: the distance traveled by one or more light rays 1040 in the light to reach a corresponding position on fan blade 802a is different from the distance traveled by another light ray to reach its corresponding position on fan blade 802a (e.g., each light ray may travel a different distance).

[0136] Figure 12B An embodiment of a display device 100 is shown that includes a display 1200 that is configured to illuminate a fan assembly 800a. Display 1200 may be similar to display 1000 and include a light emitter 1220 that produces light 1240, a beam splitter 1215, and a light modulator 1210. Light 1240 from light emitter 1220 may be directed to light modulator 1210 (e.g., a spatial light modulator) via beam splitter 1215 and modified by light modulator 1210. Light modulator 1210 may be configured to spatially or temporally vary the perceived intensity of light directed toward fan assembly 800a via beam splitter 1215. Examples of spatial light modulators include liquid crystal displays (LCDs) including liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) displays. Light emitter 1220 may be a device or system configured to emit light, such as an LED, a laser, a lamp source, etc. Also described herein is a device or system that is configured to emit light, such as an LED, a laser, a lamp source, etc. Figure 12B 1 and 2 may be applied to any of the embodiments described in the present disclosure) a fan blade 802a including a plurality of optical elements 1201 disposed on or formed in the fan blade 802a. For example, the optical element 1201 may include a reflective element or a diffractive element configured to direct light incident thereon. In some embodiments, the optical element may include a microlens or micromirror configured to generate a light field for generating a 3-D representation of an image. Other configurations are possible.

[0137] Figure 12C Describes theFigure 12A The display device 100 is substantially similar to the display assembly 100. In addition, Figure 12C A plurality of light sources 1202 are depicted disposed at a central region of the rotatable structure 805a. The light sources 1202 may be substantially similar to the light sources 101 and positioned within a desired region of the axis of rotation of the rotatable structure 805a. In some embodiments, the light sources 1202 may be disposed on the hub 827a or along the axis of rotation relative to the motor 804a. In some embodiments, the light sources 1202 may include a light field sub-display (e.g., Figures 2A to 4B ), and can be configured to generate a light field for generating a 3-D image. Without being bound by scientific theory, such a configuration in conjunction with display 1000 can enhance the 3-D effect while minimizing the disadvantages associated with adding structure to fan blades 802a. Figure 12C Light sources 1202 are shown at specific locations, but other configurations are possible. For example, light sources 1202 may be disposed on the surface of fan blades 802a as described above, or may be included in different portions of rotatable structure 805a to minimize the number of light sources 1202 added to fan blades.

[0138] although Figures 12A to 12B The display device 100 including the fan assembly 800a is shown, but other configurations are possible. For example, the fan assembly 800a may be connected to the Figure 8B The fan assembly 800b or any other fan assembly type as described above may be interchanged. Reference to the fan assembly 800a is for illustration purposes only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0139] Figure 13A and Figure 13B An example of a display device 100 including a centrifugal fan 1300 (eg, a squirrel cage fan) is schematically illustrated. Figure 13A A display device 100 is shown, which can be used with Figure 11 The display device of is basically similar. However, a centrifugal fan 1300 extending along the X-axis may be included. The centrifugal fan 1300 includes a cage housing 1360 extending along the X-axis and a rotatable structure 1305. The cage housing 1360 or the rotatable structure 1305 may have a circular, elliptical or any other desired cross-sectional shape. The motor 1304 drives the rotatable structure 1305 to rotate around the rotation axis 120, which may be substantially parallel to the X-axis. In some embodiments, the rotatable structure includes a plurality of fan blades 1302 also extending along the X-axis. Therefore, the air flow caused by the rotation of the fan blades can be in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis 102 or in a direction radially outward from the rotation axis 102.

[0140] The display 1000 may be disposed relative to the centrifugal fan 1300 in a direction that is angled relative to the rotation axis (eg, a direction that is not parallel to the rotation axis). Figure 13A Display 1000 is shown parallel to centrifugal fan 1300 in a direction perpendicular to rotation axis 120 (e.g., Y axis in this example). Other relative angles are possible. Thus, according to the disclosure herein, light 1040 emitted by the display is directed toward fan blades 1302, which are configured to anisotropically direct the light into an array of beams propagating at different exit angles to generate an image. Without being bound by any scientific theory, Figure 13A The centrifugal fan embodiment can enhance the 3-D effect because when the rotatable structure 1305 is rotated, a subset of the fan blades 1302 can approach the light 1305 while another subset of the fan blades 1302 is receding from the light, thereby controlling the direction in which the incident light is directed to form an image. Figure 13A The display 1000 is shown positioned along the Y axis, but other configurations are possible. For example, the display 1000 can be positioned anywhere within a sphere surrounding the centrifugal fan so that the display 1000 is not positioned perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

[0141] Figure 13B A side view of an example centrifugal fan 1350 for a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown. Unless otherwise specified, the centrifugal fan 1350 may be substantially similar to the centrifugal fan 1300. For example, the centrifugal fan 1350 includes a rotatable structure 1355, which is disposed in a housing 1365 and extends in a direction parallel to the centrifugal fan 1350, and is configured to rotate in a direction similar to the centrifugal fan 1300 (e.g., along the rotation axis 120 in the rotation direction 1320). The rotatable structure 1355 includes fan blades 1352, and the fan blades 1352 are connected to the centrifugal fan 1300. Figure 13A The fan blade 1302 is similarly constructed. However, the fan blade 1352 includes a plurality of light sources 101 disposed thereon. For illustrative purposes, Figure 13BA fan blade 1352 is shown that includes a circular configuration of a light source 101, which can alternate between different color light sources (e.g., LEDs) such as red, blue, and green. Other configurations are possible. In some embodiments, the light source 101 can be a light field sub-display as described above. Therefore, the control system 110 can be configured to rotate the centrifugal fan 1350 and drive the light source 101 to display an image in a manner similar to that described in conjunction with the various embodiments herein. Without being bound by scientific theory, arranging the light source 101 on the fan blade 1352 can improve image quality or 3-D effects and widen the field of view, because the light sources on each side of the fan are close to or recede from the reflector 1370.

[0142] In some embodiments, housing 1365 may include one or more portions having different optical properties. Figure 13B An embodiment of a housing 1365 is shown that includes a translucent portion 1365a of the housing 1365 and an at least partially opaque portion 1365b. The translucent portion 1365a can include any translucent, transparent, or semitransparent material. In some embodiments, the translucent portion 1365a can include a cage-shaped portion having alternating openings and opaque areas. In some embodiments, the translucent portion 1365a can include a transparent portion made of, for example, glass, plastic, or other transparent material. The opaque portion 1365b can be configured to at least partially block, filter, reflect, or absorb a subset of the light emitted by the light source 101. Although Figure 13B A specific arrangement of portions 1365a, 1365b is shown, but other configurations are possible. For example, a plurality of opaque portions may be inserted between translucent portions.

[0143] The reflector 1370 may also be disposed relative to the centrifugal fan 1352 and configured to direct light from the light source 101 to a desired location to render an image. Figure 13B As shown, the reflector may include a concave reflector disposed on a side of the centrifugal fan 1352 opposite the viewer. In such an arrangement, light projected away from the viewer may be redirected to enhance the image quality or 3-D effect of the presentation. The reflector 1352 may include any reflective material or surface having a reflective coating disposed thereon. Although in Figure 13BSpecific arrangements are shown in , but other configurations are possible. For example, reflector 1370 can be convex or any other shape required for a particular application. Reflector 1370 can have a cylindrical, elliptical or parabolic shape, which can help guide or focus light to a desired point or direction. Reflector 1370 does not have to be arranged on the same side as opaque portion 1365b, but can be positioned anywhere relative to centrifugal fan 1352.

[0144] Although specific configurations and arrangements of the display device 100 have been described throughout this application with reference to the accompanying drawings, other configurations are possible. For example, in any of the above configurations, additional optical elements may be provided within or between the various components of the display device 100 to manipulate, direct, and control the light as it propagates from the light source 101 to the image or viewer.

[0145] Example routine for displaying a representation of an image

[0146] Figure 14 1400 is a flow chart of an illustrative routine for displaying a representation of an image using a display device described herein. In some embodiments, the representation may include a 3-D or 2-D image of an object, an operable indicator, or other graphical depiction. Routine 1400 is an example flow for processing image data and illuminating a light source to display a representation of an object or image. For example, in an embodiment of a display device described herein that includes a light field sub-display, routine 1400 may be an example flow for processing light field image data and illuminating a light field sub-display to display a 3-D representation of an object or image. Routine 1400 may be performed by a control system 110 of an embodiment of display device 100.

[0147] Routine 1400 begins at block 1410 and then moves to block 1420, where the control system drives a rotatable structure (e.g., rotatable structure 105, 805, 1305, etc.) via a motor (e.g., motor 104, 805, 1304, etc.) to rotate the rotatable structure about rotation axis 120 along a path (e.g., rotation path 103 or 1303) at a rotation rate. In some embodiments (e.g., Figure 1 , Figures 5A to 5G , Figures 8A to 9D and Figure 13B ), since the motor drives the rotatable structure, the light field sub-display included on the rotatable structure is associated with a position based on the rotation angle that varies with time. In other embodiments (e.g., Figures 11 to 13A), as the motor drives the rotatable structure, the display emits light onto the rotatable structure at a corresponding position based on the rotation angle that varies with time. For a constant rotation rate, the rotation angle is the rotation rate multiplied by time plus the initial rotation angle (at time = 0). In some embodiments, the rotation rate can be based in part on the arrangement of the rotatable structure (e.g., the number or spatial arrangement of the elongated elements or sub-displays disposed on the rotatable structure). The rotation rate can also be based in part on the objects to be displayed and the number of rendered frames of the objects to be represented by the display device 100. For example, an increase in the rotation rate can correspond to an increase in image quality (e.g., a higher refresh rate). As described above, the rotation rate can be fast enough so that the human visual system cannot perceive the elongated elements.

[0148] The routine 1400 continues to block 1430, where image data is accessed, for example, from the memory 114 or another separate or remote storage unit. In some embodiments, the image data may include a 2-D representation of an object to be displayed. The image data may indicate one or more rendered frames and include data indicating the color of light to be directed to a particular location. In some embodiments, the image may be a light field representation of the object to be displayed. The light field image may include multiple rendered frames. Each rendered frame may include a representation of an object to be displayed in a different viewing direction. In this way, the multiple rendered frames are each associated with a viewing direction of the object. In other embodiments, the images of the object may be ordered so that the object appears to move in space. In this case, the accessed light field image may include multiple light field images, where each light field image is a single frame of the video.

[0149] The routine 1400 continues to block 1440 where the image data is mapped to a light source. For example, Figure 1 The control system 110 may execute instructions to generate an association of the accessed image data with each light source or a mapping of the accessed image data to each light source based in part on the rotation angle of the display device. In some embodiments, each rendered frame of the light field image may be mapped to a pixel of the light source (e.g., in some embodiments implementing a light field sub-display, Figure 2A and Figure 2B The mapping may be based in part on the rotation rate or rotation angle of the rotatable structure as a function of time. The mapping of the image data may also include determining the color and intensity of light that will be emitted in a viewing direction that corresponds to the color and intensity of light that will be emitted by the light source (e.g., Figure 2A and Figure 2B In some embodiments, the light source may include a light field sub-display, and the image data may include light field image data.

[0150] In embodiments including a display 1000 that is separate from the rotatable structure, image data may be mapped to locations on the rotatable structure that correspond to the emitted light. Figure 1 The control system 110 may execute instructions to generate an association of the accessed image data with each position on the rotatable structure or a mapping of the accessed image data to each position on the rotatable structure based in part on the rotation angle of the rotatable structure and the relative position between the light source and the corresponding position. In some embodiments, each rendered frame of the image data may be mapped to a pixel (e.g., a corresponding position and an associated light source). The mapping may be based in part on a rotation rate or rotation angle of the rotatable structure that varies over time. In some embodiments, the mapping may include an association of a light source position on a display with respect to a position of the rotatable structure that varies over time.

[0151] In one embodiment, the mapping of image data to the light field sub-display can be based on the following combination: Figure 15 Detailed routine to execute.

[0152] The routine 1400 continues to block 1450 where the light source is illuminated. For example, the light source may be illuminated based at least in part on the mapped image data. In embodiments including a light field sub-display, Figure 1 The control system 110 may execute instructions to cause the light field sub-display to be illuminated based in part on the mapped light field image data and the time-varying rotation angle of the rotatable structure. In one embodiment, the light field sub-display may be modulated (e.g., turned on and off) based on time and in part on the rendering frame. For example, when the position of the light field sub-display moves due to the rotation of the rotatable structure, the rendering frame to be represented may be changed, and the light field sub-display may be switched (e.g., gated) between multiple rendering frames.

[0153] In an embodiment comprising a light source, Figure 1 The control system 110 may execute instructions to cause the light source to be illuminated based in part on the mapped image data and the time-varying rotation angle of the rotatable structure. In one embodiment, the light source may be modulated (e.g., turned on and off) based on time and in part on the rendering frame. For example, when the position of the light source moves relative to the rotatable structure due to the rotation of the rotatable structure, the rendering frame to be represented may be changed, and the light source may be switched (e.g., gated) between multiple rendering frames.

[0154] In one embodiment, the following combination Figure 16 The routine described in detail performs the lighting of the light source. Thereafter, at block 1460, the routine 1400 ends.

[0155] In various embodiments, routine 1400 may be performed by Figure 1The hardware processor of the display device 100 (for example, Figure 1 1400) is executed by the hardware processor 112 of the control system 110. In other embodiments, a remote computing device (in network communication with the display device) having computer executable instructions can cause the display device to perform various aspects of the routine 1400.

[0156] Example routine for mapping image data to a light source

[0157] Figure 15 is a flow chart of an illustrative routine for mapping image data to a light source. The routine 1500 may be Figure 1

[0026] One example of a method in which the hardware processor 112 of the control system 110 or a remote computing device may map image data to each of the light sources based at least in part on the rotation angle of the rotatable structure.

[0158] The routine 1500 starts at block 1510 and then moves to block 1520, where one or more rendered frames of image data are retrieved. For example, at block 1520 of the routine 1500, the image data is accessed from the digital memory 114 of the control system 110. In some embodiments, the image data may include light field image data, where the light field image may include multiple rendered frames. Each rendered frame may indicate a different view of a plurality of different views of an object. In addition, the rendered frame may include a plurality of rendered pixels that may be combined to represent an image of the object to be displayed. The routine continues to a subroutine 1530 for each rendered pixel in the rendered frame.

[0159] For each rendered pixel, subroutine 1530 proceeds to block 1540 where the position of the given rendered pixel is retrieved. Each rendered pixel may have a position within a rendered frame. For example, a rendered frame may include a 2-D representation of an object for a given viewing direction, and each rendered pixel may have a coordinate (e.g., X-coordinate and Y-coordinate) position within the rendered frame. In some embodiments, each rendered frame of image data may include the same number of rendered pixels so that the positions of the rendered pixels are constant from rendered frame to rendered frame.

[0160] At block 1550, the position of the light source is determined as a function of time based at least in part on the rotation rate of the rotatable structure (the rotation rate that varies over time). In some embodiments, the position of the light field sub-display is determined as a function of time based at least in part on the rotation rate of the rotatable structure. In some embodiments, the light source can be separate from the rotatable structure. Therefore, at block 1550, the position at which the light is incident on the rotatable structure can be determined as a function of time based at least in part on the rotation rate of the rotatable structure (the rotation rate that varies over time). In some embodiments, the position can also be based on a position of the light source relative to the rotatable structure that varies over time, the position of the light source relative to the rotatable structure that varies over time being based on the rotation rate of the rotatable structure.

[0161] At block 1560, each rendered pixel position of a given rendered pixel may be associated with a light source position. In some embodiments, as described above, the position (u) of the rendered pixel may be associated with the position (z) of the light source on the rotatable structure as a function of time (t), wherein the position of each light source is based on a rotation angle that varies over time. In some embodiments, the position (u) of the rendered pixel may be associated with the position (z) of the light incident on the rotatable structure as a function of time (t), wherein the position of each light source is based on a rotation angle that varies over time. In some embodiments where the number and position of rendered pixels do not change between rendered frames, the association may be constant for any rendered frame of the light field image. At block 1570, the routine 1500 may generate (and store) a data structure (e.g., a lookup table (LUT)) that associates rendered pixels with light field sub-display positions. Multiple display devices may be able to access the same lookup table in order to synchronize images displayed by multiple display devices that are separately positioned or physically separated from each other. At block 1580, the routine ends.

[0162] Example routine for lighting a light source

[0163] Figure 16 1600 is a flowchart of an illustrative routine for lighting a light source of a display device (eg, display device 100 of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure). Figure 1 An example of a method in which a hardware processor 112 of a control system 110 or a remote computing device illuminates a light source based at least in part on the mapped image data. In some embodiments, the light source may include a light field sub-display (e.g., Figure 2A and Figure 2B ), and the image data may include light field image data.

[0164] Routine 1600 begins at block 1610 and then moves to block 1620, where image data is retrieved. The image data may represent one or more rendered frames. Each rendered frame may include a color and intensity (e.g., image parameters) associated with each rendered pixel of the rendered frame and other optical properties for rendering the image so as to depict an object in a viewing direction associated with the rendered frame. In some embodiments, the color and intensity may be configured to produce an appearance of depth in an image (e.g., by varying the intensity or color of light generated by a light source to render the image). As described above, the image data may include light field image data that includes multiple rendered frames representing different viewing directions. Multiple rendered frames may include one or more of the above-described optical properties for rendering the image. Routine 1600 continues to subroutine 1630 for each rendered frame.

[0165] For each rendered frame, subroutine 1630 proceeds to block 1640 where a transformed rendered pixel position is determined. The transformed rendered pixel position may be the same as the position of the rendered pixel that is transformed to the position of the associated light source or the position on the rotatable structure on which the light is incident (e.g., as in Figure 15 In some embodiments, the data structure may be accessed (e.g., in Figure 15 The determination of the transformed rendering pixel position is performed using the data structure generated in box 1560 of .

[0166] At block 1650, a color and intensity of light to be emitted by the light source is determined based at least in part on the rendered frame to be displayed. In one embodiment, the color and intensity may be defined by the rendered pixels to be displayed by the light source.

[0167] For example, each rendered frame may include a 2-D representation of an image. Each pixel (e.g., each LED) of an array of light sources (e.g., a display 1000 or a light source disposed on a rotatable structure) may be associated with a direction of emitted light based on the position from which the light is emitted from the rotatable structure, and the position from which the light is emitted from the rotatable structure may be mapped to a given rendered pixel. Therefore, at any moment, each pixel or position on the rotatable structure may be associated with a given viewing direction. Based on this association, it may be determined which rendered pixel of the rendered frame will be associated with the position on the rotatable structure. Based on this association, subroutine 1630 may retrieve the color and intensity of the rendered pixel to determine the color and intensity of the light that a given pixel of the light source will emit based on the viewing direction of the rendered frame.

[0168] In the case of light field sub-displays (e.g. Figure 2A and Figure 2B) In some embodiments, each rendered frame can be associated with a viewing direction. Each pixel in the pixel array 225 of the light field display 101 (e.g., pixel 205) can be associated with a direction of emitted light based on its association with a microlens 215a, which can be mapped to a given rendered pixel. Thus, each pixel 205 in the pixel array 225 can be associated with a given viewing direction at any given time. Based on this association, it can be determined which rendered pixel of the rendered frame will be associated with a given pixel 205 of the pixel array 225. According to this association, the subroutine 1630 can retrieve the color and intensity of that rendered pixel to determine the color and intensity of the light that a given pixel of the light field display 101 will emit based on the viewing direction of the rendered frame.

[0169] The subroutine 1630 proceeds to block 1660, where each light source can be lit based on the determined color and intensity and the rotation angle of the rotatable structure. For example, as the light source rotates through a rotation path (e.g., rotation path 103), the rendered frame to be displayed by the light source can change based on the change in position. Thus, as the light source rotates, pixels or light sources can be lit or gated based on the rendered frame to be displayed by the light source (e.g., alternating or switching between different rendered frames of the light field image). Thereafter, at block 1680, the routine 1600 ends.

[0170] Example system for displaying an image using a fan assembly

[0171] Figure 17 An example display device for displaying an image using a display device including a fan assembly is schematically illustrated. Figure 17 A display device 100 operatively connected to a computer system 1730 used by a user 1720 is shown. Unless otherwise noted, the components of the display device 100 can include a fan assembly 800a and other components similar to those of the same numbered components described in connection with the Figures 8A to 13B example shown. For example, Figure 17 the fan assembly 800a shown can be a desk fan (as shown), but the fan assembly can additionally or alternatively be for a computer system 1730 (or other electronic device) or a wearable augmented reality display device (such as, Figure 4CThe cooling fan 800b as shown in the example). The fan assembly 800a can be configured to illuminate and redirect light while the fan blades 802a rotate. Such a display can be used to display system notifications indicating the operating status of the computer system 1730 to the user 1720. For example, the fan assembly 800a can be used to display a notification image 1710 that indicates: the battery status 1710a (e.g., the battery status of the battery used to power the fan assembly, the computer system, other electronic devices, or the AR display device); the lack of a wireless connection (e.g., Wi-Fi or other communication protocols) 1710c; a new message 1710b (e.g., an email or text message); or an alert 1710d (collectively referred to as the notification image 1710 below). The notification image 1710 can be a 2-D or 3-D image that is partially based on the image data used to render the notification image 1710.

[0172] Referring again to Figure 17 , a computer system 1730 (e.g., a laptop computer in this illustrative embodiment) operated by the user 1720 on a surface 1740 (e.g., a table) is shown. The fan assembly 800a can be a desktop fan positioned relative to the user 1720 (e.g., on the table or otherwise pointed at the user) to provide, for example, an air flow to cool the user. As described above, other types of fans can be applied. The fan assembly 800a can be operatively coupled to the computer system 1730, such as via a wired or wireless communication link (e.g., as shown by the dashed line 1750). In some embodiments, the computer system 1730 can include a control system 110 (e.g., the link 1750 can be similar to the link 850a). In other embodiments, the computer system 1730 can be operatively coupled to the control system 110 via the communication link 1750. The computer system 1730 can be configured to send a signal to the fan assembly 800a via the communication link 1750. The signal can include data that indicates: (i) instructions for driving or illuminating the display device according to Figures 14 to 16 ; (ii) image data for rendering an object or image; or (iii) information indicating the notification 1710. In some embodiments, the data can indicate one or more operating states of the computer system 1730, such as: for powering components such as the fan assembly 800a, the computer system 1730, or other battery-powered components (e.g., such as Figure 4CThe battery status of a battery powering the AR device shown; the connection status to a wireless network; or an alert for a system failure such as corrupted data files. In other embodiments, the information may indicate: a message intended for user 1720 (e.g., an email or an instant message); a request by the user for an action or input (e.g., a request to update software or a program included in computer system 1730); or any notification for user 1720 to interpret or otherwise take action on.

[0173] The display device 100 may be configured to receive a signal from the computer system 1730 and display an image 1710 representing one or more of the notifications included in the signal. For example, each type of notification may be associated with a notification image 1710. The data included in the signal may indicate the notification (or in some embodiments, the signal may include the notification image 1710). In the case of sending data without the notification image 1710, the control system 110 may retrieve the image data corresponding to the associated notification image 1710. In either case, the fan assembly 800a may operate based on the received data (e.g., as described above in connection with Figures 8A to 16 to display the notification image 1710. Thus, as Figure 17 shown, the fan assembly 800a can be used to display the notification image 1710 to the user. Although Figure 17 multiple notification images 1710 are shown being displayed at one time, this is for illustrative purposes only and not limiting. The fan assembly 800a may be configured to display one or more notification images 1710 based on a signal received from the computer system 1730.

[0174] Although a specific configuration is depicted in Figure 17 , other configurations are possible. For example, although the description herein is made with reference to Figure 8A , this is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting. Any of the display devices described in the present disclosure may be used in place of the display device 100. For example, the display device 100 may include Figure 4C , Figure 8B the fan assembly 800b or any of the fan assemblies described herein. Additionally, the fan assembly may be part of the computer system 1730 (e.g., a fan assembly configured to cool the electrical or mechanical components of the computer system 1730). The fan assembly may also include any type of fan assembly, such as a ceiling fan, a box fan, an engine turbine, etc.

[0175] Figure 17The computer system 1730 is illustrated as a laptop computer for illustrative purposes only, and other computer systems may be equally applicable. The computer system 1730 can be any system that includes hardware processing for executing instructions in memory. For example, the computer system 1730 can include components of a head-mounted augmented reality display (e.g., Figure 4C local processing and data module 70), a video game system, a mobile cellular phone, etc. In some embodiments, the computer system 1730 can be operably coupled to a mechanical component (e.g., an engine or propeller of an aircraft), and the notification 1710 can provide the operating state of the mechanical component (e.g., information for controlling a vehicle, thermal state, pressure state, etc.). Additionally, the display device 100 need not be coupled to only one computer system 1730, but can be coupled to multiple computer systems 1730 and configured to display one or more notification images 1710 corresponding to any one or more of the multiple computer systems 1730.

[0176] Example routine for mapping image data to a light source

[0177] Figure 18 is a process flow diagram of an example method of displaying an image using a display device including a fan assembly. For example, the processing flow 1800 can be used to display Figure 17 notification images 1710. The routine 1800 is an example flow for processing image data and lighting light sources to display a representation of an image. The routine 1400 can be executed by the control system 110 of an embodiment of the display device 100. In some embodiments, the display system 100 can be operably coupled to one or more computer systems (e.g., Figure 17 computer system 1730).

[0178] The routine 1800 begins at block 1810 and then moves to block 1820, where a fan assembly for communicating with the computer system is provided. For example, the fan assembly 800a (or any other fan assembly described herein) can be provided as part of the display device 100 and operably coupled to the computer system 1730 (e.g., Figure 17 ).

[0179] The routine 1800 continues to block 1830, where the notifications of the system are determined. For example, the computer system can be configured to determine one or more notifications (e.g., as described above in connection with Figure 17As described above. In some embodiments, the computer system may be configured to monitor an operating state (e.g., battery state, connection state, temperature state, etc.) and store the state in a memory. In other embodiments, the computer system may be configured to detect or receive a signal indicating one or more notifications (e.g., an alert, a notification to update software thereon, a received message, etc.).

[0180] Routine 1800 continues to block 1840, where the notification is transmitted to the controller. In some embodiments, the notification is transmitted to the control system of the display device (e.g., control system 100) via a wired or wireless communication link. In other embodiments, the display device may be controlled by a computer system, and the computer system may transmit the notification to a local application configured to drive the display device. In some embodiments, the computer system may be configured to send a signal indicating the notification, e.g., a data stream including the notification or including a notification image (e.g., Figure 17 notification image 1710). The display device or the control system therein may be configured to receive the signal and store the signal in a memory.

[0181] Routine 1800 continues to block 1850, where the fan assembly is lit, for example, based on the received signal. In some embodiments, the received signal includes image data indicating a notification image. The notification image may include image data that can be mapped to one or more light sources of the display device (e.g., Figures 14 to 16 ). Then the fan assembly may be lit based on the mapped image data (e.g., as described in more detail in Figure 14 ).

[0182] Routine 1800 continues to block 1860, where the fan assembly displays an image based on the received notification. For example, the fan assembly may be lit in block 1850 and driven based on a signal received from the control system (e.g., Figures 14 to 16 ) to display one or more images representing the received signal (e.g., notification image 1710).

[0183] In various embodiments, routine 1800 may be executed by a hardware processor of the display device 100 (e.g., Figure 1 hardware processor 112 of the control system 110 of Figure 1 ). In other embodiments, a remote computing device having computer-executable instructions (network-communicating with the display device) may cause the display device to execute aspects of routine 1400.

[0184] Other aspects

[0185] In a first aspect, a fan assembly for displaying a representation of an image, the fan assembly comprising: a plurality of fan blades; a motor configured to rotate the plurality of fan blades to cause an air flow; a plurality of light sources disposed on at least one of the plurality of fan blades; a non-transitory memory configured to store image data to be displayed by the fan assembly, the image data including one or more views of the image in a viewing direction; and a processor operably coupled to the non-transitory memory, the motor, and the plurality of light sources, the processor including executable instructions for: driving the motor to rotate the plurality of fan blades about a rotation axis, the plurality of fan blades being positioned at a rotation angle that varies over time, accessing the image data, mapping the image data to each of the plurality of light sources at least in part based on the rotation angle, and illuminating the plurality of light sources at least in part based on the mapped image data.

[0186] In a second aspect, the fan assembly according to the first aspect, wherein the image data represents a light field image configured to provide a plurality of different views of the image in different viewing directions.

[0187] In a third aspect, the fan assembly according to the first or second aspect, wherein the plurality of light sources includes at least one of a light field sub-display, a liquid crystal, a light emitting diode (LED), an organic LED, or a laser.

[0188] In a fourth aspect, the fan assembly according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein each light source includes: a microlens array including a plurality of microlenses; and a pixel array including a plurality of pixel subsets, each pixel subset being associated with a corresponding microlens and configured to generate light, wherein each pixel subset and the associated microlens are arranged to generate outgoing light at a plurality of angles, and wherein light from a first pixel of the pixel subset propagates from the light field sub-display at an angle different from an angle of a second pixel of the pixel subset.

[0189] In a fifth aspect, the fan assembly according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the plurality of light sources includes a pixel array including a plurality of pixels, each pixel being configured to generate light, wherein each pixel is arranged to generate outgoing light at an angle based on the shape of at least one of the plurality of fan blades, and wherein light from a first pixel propagates from at least one of the plurality of fan blades at an angle different from an angle of a second pixel.

[0190] In a sixth aspect, the fan assembly according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the plurality of light sources are radially disposed from the rotation axis.

[0191] In a seventh aspect, the fan assembly according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the plurality of light sources are disposed along at least one of the plurality of fan blades.

[0192] In an eighth aspect, the fan assembly according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the plurality of light sources are disposed in a two-dimensional array on at least one of the plurality of fan blades.

[0193] In a ninth aspect, the fan assembly according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the plurality of light sources are disposed along at least one of a leading edge, a trailing edge, or a radial edge of at least one of the plurality of fan blades.

[0194] In a tenth aspect, the fan assembly according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein each light source has a corresponding radius based on its position from the axis of rotation, and wherein, to illuminate the plurality of light sources, the processor is programmed to scale the intensity or duration of illumination of the light sources based on the corresponding radius.

[0195] In an eleventh aspect, the fan assembly according to the tenth aspect, wherein the scaling is linear with the radius of the light field display.

[0196] In a twelfth aspect, the fan assembly according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the plurality of fan blades, the motor, and the plurality of light sources are part of the fan assembly. In another aspect, the fan assembly according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects further includes a housing, wherein the plurality of fan blades, the motor, and the plurality of light sources are disposed within the housing.

[0197] In a thirteenth aspect, the fan assembly according to the first aspect, wherein the fan assembly includes: a housing having an opening centered on the axis of rotation; and an elongate member extending across the opening between the plurality of fan blades and the displayed image, the elongate member being configured to control a lateral load of the fan assembly based on the plurality of light sources.

[0198] In a fourteenth aspect, the fan assembly according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, wherein the fan assembly includes: a housing including an opening exposing a first subset of the plurality of fan blades; and a covering area covering a second subset of the plurality of fan blades, wherein the processor further includes executable instructions for mapping the image data to the light sources corresponding to the first subset of the plurality of fan blades.

[0199] In a fifteenth aspect, the fan assembly according to the fourteenth aspect, wherein the image data is not mapped to a second subset of light sources among the plurality of light sources corresponding to the second subset of the plurality of fan blades.

[0200] In a sixteenth aspect, the fan assembly according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the plurality of fan blades at a rotational speed that is at least partially based on image quality.

[0201] In a seventeenth aspect, the fan assembly according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects, further comprising a speaker system configured to project audio in combination with the processor programmed to illuminate the plurality of light sources.

[0202] In an eighteenth aspect, the fan assembly according to any one of the first to seventeenth aspects, further comprising a microphone configured to receive audio, and wherein the processor includes executable instructions for: receiving an audio input from the microphone; identifying that the audio input includes an audio command; and initiating an action to modify the illumination of the plurality of light sources based on the audio command.

[0203] In a nineteenth aspect, the fan assembly according to any one of the first to eighteenth aspects, further comprising a proximity sensor configured to detect an entity within a predetermined distance of the fan assembly, and wherein the processor includes executable instructions for initiating an action based on the proximity sensor detecting the entity.

[0204] In a twentieth aspect, the fan assembly according to any one of the first to nineteenth aspects, further comprising a centrifugal fan assembly including the plurality of fan blades and the motor.

[0205] In a twenty-first aspect, the fan assembly according to aspect twenty, wherein the centrifugal fan assembly includes a housing having a translucent portion and an opaque portion.

[0206] In a twenty-second aspect, a method for displaying a representation of an image by a fan assembly, the method comprising: driving a motor to rotate a plurality of fan blades of the fan assembly, each of the plurality of fan blades including a plurality of light sources around a rotation axis, the plurality of fan blades being positioned at a rotation angle that varies over time; accessing image data to be displayed, the image data including one or more views of the image in a viewing direction; mapping the image data to each of the plurality of light sources at least partially based on the rotation angle; and illuminating the plurality of light sources at least partially based on the mapped image data.

[0207] In aspect 23, the method according to aspect 22, wherein the plurality of light sources includes a plurality of light field sub-displays, and the image data includes light field image data, the light field image data including a plurality of rendered frames, each rendered frame representing a different view among the one or more views of the image, wherein each rendered frame includes a plurality of rendered pixels, the rendered pixels being combined to render the rendered frame, and each rendered pixel having a position within the rendered frame.

[0208] In aspect 24, the method according to aspect 23, wherein mapping the image data includes associating the position of each rendered pixel with the position of each light field sub-display on the plurality of fan blades, wherein the position of each light field sub-display is based on the rotation angle that varies over time.

[0209] In aspect 25, the method according to aspect 23 or 24, wherein the rendered pixel positions are invariant between the plurality of rendered frames.

[0210] In aspect 26, the method according to any one of aspects 23 to 25, wherein mapping the image data further includes: for each light field sub-display, determining a color and intensity based on the rendered frame to be displayed and the association of the position of each rendered pixel with the position of each light field sub-display on the plurality of fan blades.

[0211] In aspect 27, the method according to any one of aspects 23 to 26, wherein illuminating the plurality of light field sub-displays includes: for a given rendered frame, illuminating each light field sub-display based on the determined color and intensity, wherein the direction of illumination is related to the viewing direction of the rendered frame, and gating the illumination of each light field sub-display based on the rotation of the plurality of fan blades, the plurality of rendered frames, and the association of the position of each rendered pixel with the position of each light field sub-display on the plurality of fan blades.

[0212] In aspect 28, the method according to any one of aspects 22 to 27, wherein the image data includes at least one rendered frame, the rendered frame including a plurality of rendered pixels, the plurality of rendered pixels being combined to render the rendered frame, and each rendered pixel having a position within the rendered frame.

[0213] In aspect 29, the method according to aspect 28, wherein mapping the image data to each of the plurality of light sources at least partially based on the rotation angle includes: associating the position of each rendered pixel with the position of each light source on the plurality of fan blades, wherein the position of each light source is based on the rotation angle that varies over time.

[0214] In aspect 30, the method according to aspect 29, wherein mapping the image data to each of the plurality of light sources further comprises: for each light source, determining a color and intensity based on the rendered frame and an association between the position of each rendered pixel and the position of each light source on the plurality of fan blades.

[0215] In aspect 31, the method according to aspect 29 or 30, wherein illuminating the plurality of light sources comprises: for the rendered frame, illuminating each light source based on the determined color and intensity, wherein a direction of illumination is related to a viewing direction of the rendered frame, and gating illumination of each light source based on rotation of the plurality of fan blades, the plurality of rendered frames, and an association between the position of each rendered pixel and the position of each light source on the plurality of fan blades.

[0216] In aspect 32, a display device for displaying a representation of an image, the display device comprising: a rotatable structure; a motor configured to rotate the rotatable structure; a plurality of light sources positioned relative to the rotatable structure to direct light toward the rotatable structure; a non-transitory memory configured to store image data to be displayed by the display device, the image data including one or more views of the image in a viewing direction; and a processor operably coupled to the non-transitory memory, the motor, and the plurality of light sources, the processor including executable instructions for: driving the motor to rotate the rotatable structure about a rotation axis, the rotatable structure being positioned at a rotation angle that varies over time, accessing the image data, mapping the image data to each of the plurality of light sources at least in part based on the rotation angle, and illuminating the plurality of light sources at least in part based on the mapped image data.

[0217] In aspect 33, the device according to aspect 32, wherein the rotatable structure comprises a fan assembly.

[0218] In aspect 34, the device according to aspect 33, wherein the rotatable structure is included in at least one of the following: a table fan, a ceiling fan, a household fan, a propeller on an aircraft, an engine turbine, an electric cooling fan, a computer fan, a cooling fan for an electronic device, or a centrifugal fan.

[0219] In aspect 35, the device according to any one of aspects 32 to 34, further comprising a display, the display including the plurality of light sources, wherein the plurality of light sources are arranged in a two-dimensional array.

[0220] In aspect 36, the device according to aspect 35, wherein the display includes a spatial light modulator.

[0221] In aspect 37, the apparatus according to any one of aspects 32 to 36, wherein at least one of the plurality of light sources is configured to focus light onto a portion of the rotatable structure.

[0222] In aspect 38, the apparatus according to aspect 37, wherein the plurality of light sources includes at least one of a light field display, a light emitting diode (LED), a liquid crystal, a light emitting diode (LED), an organic LED, or a laser.

[0223] In aspect 39, the apparatus according to aspect 37 or 38, wherein the rotatable structure includes a plurality of elongate elements configured to redirect the light focused thereon to display the representation.

[0224] In aspect 40, the apparatus according to aspect 39, wherein each of the plurality of elongate elements includes a fan blade having a shape configured to cause an air flow and redirect the light focused thereon to display the representation.

[0225] In aspect 41, the apparatus according to aspect 40, wherein the shape of the fan blade includes an isosurface that varies in a radial extension length along the fan blade, wherein light emitted by a first light source among the plurality of light sources travels a first distance different from a second distance traveled by light emitted by a second light source among the plurality of light sources to reach the isosurface.

[0226] In aspect 42, the apparatus according to any one of aspects 32 to 41, wherein the plurality of light sources includes a pixel array including a plurality of pixels, each pixel being configured to generate light directed towards the rotatable structure, wherein the shape of the rotatable structure is configured to redirect light from a first pixel at an angle different from an angle of a second pixel.

[0227] In aspect 43, the apparatus according to any one of aspects 32 to 42, further comprising a component including: the rotatable structure; a hub disposed along the axis of rotation; and a second plurality of light sources disposed on at least one of the hub or the rotatable structure.

[0228] In aspect 44, the apparatus according to aspect 43, wherein the second plurality of light sources includes the plurality of light sources described in aspects 1 to 30. In another aspect, the apparatus according to aspect 32 further includes a hub disposed at the axis of rotation, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of light sources is positioned relative to the rotatable structure to direct light onto the hub.

[0229] In a 45th aspect, the apparatus according to any one of aspects 32 to 44, wherein each light source has a position relative to the axis of rotation, and wherein, to illuminate the plurality of light sources, the processor is programmed to scale the intensity or duration of illumination of the light sources based on the position from the axis of rotation.

[0230] In a 46th aspect, the apparatus according to any one of aspects 32 to 45 further includes a component, the component including: the rotatable structure; a housing having an opening centered on the axis of rotation between the rotatable structure and the plurality of light sources; and an elongate member extending across the opening between the rotatable structure and the displayed image, the elongate member being configured to control a lateral load of the component based in part on rotation of the rotatable structure and illumination of the plurality of light sources.

[0231] In a 47th aspect, the apparatus according to any one of aspects 32 to 46 further includes: a housing having an opening between the rotatable structure and the plurality of light sources, the opening exposing a first portion of the rotatable structure to light emitted by the plurality of light sources, the housing further including a cover covering a second portion of the rotatable structure; wherein the processor further includes executable instructions for mapping the image data to a first subset of the light sources of the plurality of light sources corresponding to the first portion of the rotatable structure.

[0232] In a 48th aspect, the apparatus according to aspect 47, wherein the image data is not mapped to a second subset of the light sources of the plurality of light sources corresponding to the second portion of the rotatable structure.

[0233] In a 49th aspect, the apparatus according to any one of aspects 32 to 48, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the rotatable structure at a rotational rate based at least in part on image quality.

[0234] In a 50th aspect, the apparatus according to any one of aspects 32 to 49 further includes a speaker system configured to play audio in combination with the processor programmed to illuminate the plurality of light sources.

[0235] In a 51st aspect, the apparatus according to any one of aspects 32 to 50 further includes a microphone configured to receive audio, and wherein the processor includes executable instructions for: receiving an audio input from the microphone; identifying that the audio input includes an audio command; and initiating an action to modify illumination of the plurality of light sources based on the audio command.

[0236] In a 52nd aspect, the apparatus according to any one of aspects 32 to 51 further includes a proximity sensor configured to detect an entity within a predetermined distance of the display device, and wherein the processor is programmed with executable instructions for initiating an action based on the proximity sensor detecting the entity.

[0237] In a 53rd aspect, the apparatus according to any one of aspects 32 to 52 further includes a centrifugal fan assembly including the rotatable structure and the motor, wherein the rotatable structure includes one or more elongate elements, and wherein the axis of rotation is at an angle relative to the plurality of light sources and substantially parallel to the one or more elongate elements of the rotatable structure.

[0238] In a 54th aspect, a method for displaying a representation of an image, the method including: driving a motor to rotate a rotatable structure about an axis of rotation, the rotatable structure being positioned at a rotation angle that varies over time; accessing image data to be displayed by a display device, the image data including one or more views of the image in a viewing direction; mapping the image data to each of a plurality of light sources at least in part based on the rotation angle, the plurality of light sources being positioned relative to the rotatable structure to direct light toward the rotatable structure; and illuminating the plurality of light sources at least in part based on the mapped image data.

[0239] In a 55th aspect, the method according to aspect 54, wherein the image data includes at least one rendered frame, the rendered frame including a plurality of rendered pixels that combine to render the rendered frame, each rendered pixel having a position within the rendered frame.

[0240] In a 56th aspect, the method according to aspect 55, wherein mapping the image data to the plurality of light sources at least in part based on the rotation angle includes: associating the position of each rendered pixel with the position of each light source and with a plurality of positions on the rotatable structure based on the rotation angle that varies over time.

[0241] In a 57th aspect, the method according to aspect 56, wherein mapping the light field image to each of the plurality of light sources further includes: determining a color and intensity for each light source based on the rendered frame and the association.

[0242] In a 58th aspect, in the method according to any one of aspects 54 to 57, wherein lighting the plurality of light sources includes: for the rendered frame, lighting each light source based on the determined color and intensity, wherein the illumination impinges on the rotatable structure, and the redirection of the incident light is related to the viewing direction of the rendered frame, and gating the illumination of each light source based on the rotation of the rotatable structure, the rendered frame, and the association.

[0243] In a 59th aspect, a method for displaying an image, the method includes: determining a notification of a state of a device; transmitting a signal indicating the notification to a controller; lighting a fan assembly based on the signal; and displaying the image using the fan assembly, wherein the image indicates the notification.

[0244] In a 60th aspect, in the method according to aspect 59, wherein the notification is at least one of the following: an operating state; a battery state, the battery being configured to supply power to the device; a temperature state; a communication connection state; a notification of received information, an email, an instant message, an SMS message, or an alert indicating a fault in the device.

[0245] In a 61st aspect, in the method according to aspect 59 or 60, wherein the signal includes image data for displaying the image.

[0246] In a 62nd aspect, a fan assembly for displaying a representation of an image, the fan assembly includes: a rotatable structure; a motor configured to rotate the rotatable structure; a plurality of light sources disposed relative to the rotatable structure; a non-transitory memory configured to store image data to be displayed by the fan assembly; and a processor operably coupled to the non-transitory memory, the motor, and the plurality of light sources, the processor including executable instructions for implementing the method according to any one of aspects 59 to 61.

[0247] In a 63rd aspect, in the fan assembly according to aspect 62, wherein the device is operably connected to the fan assembly via at least one of a wired or wireless communication link.

[0248] In a 64th aspect, an augmented reality device includes: a display system positioned in front of a user's eyes; a fan assembly including a rotatable structure, a motor configured to rotate the rotatable structure, and a plurality of light sources disposed relative to the rotatable structure; a non-transitory memory configured to store image data; and a processor operably coupled to the non-transitory memory, the display, and the fan assembly, the processor including executable instructions for implementing the method according to any one of aspects 59 to 61.

[0249] In aspect 65, the augmented reality device according to aspect 64, wherein the device is the augmented reality device.

[0250] In aspect 66, the augmented reality device according to aspect 64 or aspect 65, wherein the device is operatively connected to the fan assembly via at least one of a wired or wireless communication link.

[0251] In aspect 67, the augmented reality device according to any one of aspects 64 to 66 further includes a waist pack that includes at least one of the fan assembly, the non-transitory memory, the processor, or the battery.

[0252] In aspect 68, an augmented reality system includes a fan assembly according to any one of aspects 1 to 21 or aspects 62 to 63, or includes a display device according to any one of aspects 32 to 53, or is configured to perform any one of the methods according to aspects 22 to 31 or aspects 54 to 61.

[0253] In aspect 69, the augmented reality system according to aspect 68 includes a processing device configured to be worn on a user's torso or appendage, wherein the processing device includes a fan assembly according to any one of aspects 1 to 21 or aspects 62 to 63, or includes a display device according to any one of aspects 32 to 53, or is configured to perform any one of the methods according to aspects 22 to 31 or aspects 54 to 61.

[0254] Other considerations

[0255] Each of the processes, methods, and algorithms described herein and / or depicted in the figures may be embodied in code modules executed by one or more physical computing systems, hardware computer processors, special-purpose circuits / or electronic hardware configured to execute specific and particular computer instructions, and be fully or partially automated by the foregoing. For example, a computing system may include a general-purpose computer (e.g., a server) programmed with specific computer instructions or a special-purpose computer, a special-purpose circuit, etc. The code modules may be compiled and linked into an executable program, installed in a dynamic link library, or may be written in an interpreted programming language. In some embodiments, specific operations and methods may be performed by a circuit specific to a given function.

[0256] In addition, certain embodiments of the functions of the present disclosure are sufficiently complex mathematically, computationally, or technically that dedicated hardware or one or more physical computing devices (utilizing appropriate dedicated executable instructions) or dedicated graphics processing units may be required to perform the functions, for example due to the amount or complexity of the computations involved or to provide graphical display results in substantially real time. For example, a video may include many frames, each frame having millions of pixels, and specially programmed computer hardware is required to process the video data to provide the desired image processing tasks or applications within a commercially reasonable amount of time.

[0257] Code modules or any type of data can be stored on any type of non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as physical computer memory, which includes hard disk drives, solid state memory, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), optical discs, volatile or non-volatile memory, combinations thereof, and / or the like. Methods and modules (or data) can also be transmitted on various computer-readable transmission media as generated data signals (e.g., as part of a carrier wave or other analog or digital propagated signal), which transmission media include wireless-based and wire / cable-based media, and can take various forms (e.g., as part of a single or multiplexed analog signal, or as multiple discrete digital packets or frames). The results of the disclosed processes or process steps can be persistently or otherwise stored in any type of non-transitory, tangible computer memory, or can be transmitted via a computer-readable transmission medium.

[0258] Any process, block, state, step, or function in the flowcharts described herein or depicted in the figures should be understood as potentially representing code modules, code segments, or portions of code that include one or more executable instructions for implementing a particular function (e.g., logical or arithmetic) or step. The processes, blocks, states, steps, or functions can be combined with, rearranged, added to, deleted from, modified, or otherwise altered in relation to the illustrative examples provided herein. In some embodiments, additional or different computing systems or code modules can perform some or all of the functions described herein. The methods and processes described herein are also not limited to any particular order, and the associated blocks, steps, or states can be performed in a suitable other order, such as serially, in parallel, or in some other manner. Tasks or events can be added to or removed from the disclosed example embodiments. Additionally, the separation of the various system components described herein is for illustrative purposes and should not be understood as required in all embodiments. It should be understood that the described program components, methods, and systems can generally be integrated together in a single computer product or packaged into multiple computer products. Variations of many embodiments are possible.

[0259] Processes, methods, and systems can be implemented in a network (or distributed) computing environment. For example, control system 110 can communicate with a network environment. The network environment includes enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets, local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), personal area networks (PANs), cloud computing networks, crowd-sourced computing networks, the Internet, and the World Wide Web. The network can be a wired or wireless network, or any other type of communication network.

[0260] The systems and methods of the present disclosure each have several innovative aspects, and no single one of these aspects alone is responsible for or required for the desired characteristics disclosed herein. The various features and processes described above can be used independently of each other or can be combined in various ways. All possible combinations and sub-combinations are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Various modifications to the embodiments described in the present disclosure may be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but should be accorded the widest scope consistent with the present disclosure, the principles disclosed herein, and the novel features.

[0261] Certain features that are described in the context of separate embodiments in this specification can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented separately in multiple embodiments, or in any suitable sub-combination. Additionally, although the features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed in such a manner, one or more features in the claimed combination can in some cases be excluded from the combination, and the claimed combination can cover a sub-combination or a variation of a sub-combination. For each embodiment, no single feature or group of features is necessary or indispensable.

[0262] Unless otherwise expressly stated or otherwise understood within the context in which it is used, conditional language such as "able to", "can", "may", "could", "for example", etc., used herein is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements or steps. Thus, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that a feature, element or step is necessary in any way for one or more embodiments, nor is it intended to imply that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for determining whether to include such features, elements or steps or whether to perform such features, elements and / or steps in any particular embodiment, with or without author input or prompting. The terms "comprising", "including", "having", etc. are synonyms and are used inclusively in an open-ended manner and do not exclude other elements, features, acts, operations, etc. In addition, the articles "a", "an" and "the" as used in this application and the appended claims are to be construed as meaning "one or more" or "at least one" unless otherwise specified.

[0263] As used herein, a phrase referring to "at least one" in a list of items means any combination of those items, including a single member. By way of example, "at least one of A, B or C" is intended to cover: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A, B and C. Unless otherwise specifically stated, conjunctive language such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y and Z" as used is understood in the context in which it is used and generally is intended to convey that the items, terms, etc. may be at least one of X, Y or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is generally not intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of each of X, at least one of Y and at least one of Z.

[0264] Similarly, although operations may be shown in the drawings in a particular order, it should be understood that such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations need to be performed to achieve the desired result. Additionally, the drawings may schematically depict one or more example processes in the form of a flowchart. However, other operations not shown may be incorporated into the exemplary methods and processes schematically illustrated. For example, one or more additional operations may be performed before, after, concurrently with, or between any of the illustrated operations. Further, in other embodiments, the operations may be rearranged or reordered. In certain instances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the above-described embodiments should not be construed as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems may generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products. Additionally, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the acts recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve the desired result.

Claims

1. An augmented reality system, comprising: an augmented reality display device; a fan assembly for displaying an image, the fan assembly comprising: a plurality of fan blades; a motor configured to rotate the plurality of fan blades to cause an air flow; and a plurality of light sources disposed on at least one of the plurality of fan blades; wherein the augmented reality system further comprises: a non-transitory memory configured to store image data to be displayed by the fan assembly, the image data including one or more views of the image in a viewing direction; and a processor operably coupled to the non-transitory memory, the motor, and the plurality of light sources, the processor including executable instructions for: determining a notification of the state of the augmented reality display device; driving the motor to rotate the plurality of fan blades about a rotation axis, the plurality of fan blades being positioned at a rotation angle that varies over time, accessing the image data, mapping the image data to each of the plurality of light sources at least in part based on the rotation angle, lighting the plurality of light sources at least in part based on the mapped image data, and displaying the image using the fan assembly, wherein the image indicates the notification, and wherein the fan assembly is included in the augmented reality display device.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, the image data represents a light field image configured to provide a plurality of different views of the image in different viewing directions.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein, the plurality of light sources includes at least one of a light field display, a liquid crystal, an LED, an organic LED, or a laser.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein, each light source includes: a microlens array including a plurality of microlenses; and a pixel array including a plurality of pixel subsets, each pixel subset being associated with a corresponding microlens and configured to generate light, wherein each pixel subset and the associated microlens are arranged to generate outgoing light at a plurality of angles, wherein light from a first pixel of the pixel subset propagates at an angle different from an angle of a second pixel of the pixel subset.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein, the plurality of light sources includes a pixel array including a plurality of pixels, each pixel being configured to generate light, wherein each pixel is arranged to generate outgoing light at an angle based on the shape of at least one of the plurality of fan blades, wherein light from a first pixel propagates from at least one of the plurality of fan blades at an angle different from an angle of a second pixel.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein, the plurality of light sources are radially arranged from the rotation axis.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein, the plurality of light sources are arranged along at least one of the plurality of fan blades.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein, the plurality of light sources are arranged in a two-dimensional array on at least one of the plurality of fan blades.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of light sources are disposed along at least one of a leading edge, a trailing edge, or a radial edge of at least one of the plurality of fan blades.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein, each light source has a corresponding radius based on its position from the axis of rotation, and wherein, to illuminate the plurality of light sources, the processor is programmed to scale the intensity or duration of illumination of the light sources based on the corresponding radius to keep the apparent intensity of the image relatively constant.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein, the scaling is linear with the radius of the light source.

12. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a housing, wherein, the plurality of fan blades, the motor, and the plurality of light sources are disposed within the housing.

13. The system according to claim 1, wherein, the fan assembly includes: a housing having an opening centered on the axis of rotation; and an elongate member extending across the opening between the plurality of fan blades and the displayed image, the elongate member being configured to control a lateral load of the fan assembly based on the plurality of light sources, the lateral load being a load transverse to a longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly of the fan assembly.

14. The system according to claim 1, wherein, the fan assembly includes: a housing including an opening exposing a first subset of the plurality of fan blades; and a covering area covering a second subset of the plurality of fan blades, wherein the processor further includes executable instructions for mapping the image data to light sources among the plurality of light sources corresponding to the first subset of the plurality of fan blades.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein, the image data is not mapped to light sources among the plurality of light sources corresponding to the second subset of the plurality of fan blades.

16. The system according to claim 1, wherein, the motor is configured to rotate the plurality of fan blades at a rotational rate at least partially based on image quality.

17. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a speaker system configured to play audio in combination with the processor programmed to illuminate the plurality of light sources.

18. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a microphone configured to receive audio, and wherein, the processor includes executable instructions for: receiving audio input from the microphone; identifying that the audio input includes an audio command; and initiating an action to modify illumination of the plurality of light sources based on the audio command.

19. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a proximity sensor configured to detect an entity within a predetermined distance of the fan assembly, and wherein, the processor includes executable instructions for initiating an action based on the proximity sensor detecting the entity.

20. The system according to claim 1, wherein, the fan assembly is a centrifugal fan assembly including the plurality of fan blades and the motor.

21. The system according to claim 20, wherein, the centrifugal fan assembly includes a housing having a translucent portion and an opaque portion, wherein the plurality of light sources are visible through the translucent portion.

22. The system according to claim 1, wherein, the fan assembly is included in a waist pack.

23. The system according to claim 22, wherein, the waist pack includes at least one of the non-transitory memory, the processor, or the battery.

24. The system according to claim 1, wherein, the fan assembly is configured to cool electrical components.

25. The system according to claim 1, wherein, the fan assembly is included in a local processing and data module.

26. The system according to claim 25, wherein, the fan assembly is configured to cool the electronics in the local processing and data module.

27. The system according to claim 25, wherein, the local processing and data module is configured to be detachably attached to a user's torso or appendage.

28. The system according to claim 25, wherein, the local processing and data module is configured to be detachably attached to a user's hip.

29. The system according to claim 1, wherein, the augmented reality display device includes a light field display.

30. The system according to claim 29, wherein, the light field display includes a stacked waveguide assembly.

31. The system according to claim 1, wherein, the augmented reality display device is configured to be mounted on a user's head.

32. The system according to claim 1, wherein, the augmented reality display device includes a display system positioned in front of a user's eyes.

33. A method for displaying an image by a fan assembly, the method comprising: determining a notification of a state of an augmented reality display device; driving a motor to rotate a plurality of fan blades of the fan assembly, each of the plurality of fan blades including a plurality of light sources around a rotation axis, the plurality of fan blades being positioned at a rotation angle that varies over time; accessing image data to be displayed, the image data including one or more views of the image in a viewing direction; mapping the image data to each of the plurality of light sources at least in part based on the rotation angle; lighting the plurality of light sources at least in part based on the mapped image data; and displaying the image using the fan assembly, wherein the image indicates the notification, wherein the fan assembly is included in the augmented reality display device.

34. The method according to claim 33, wherein, the plurality of light sources include a plurality of light field displays, and the image data represents a light field image, the light field image including a plurality of rendered frames, the light field image being configured to provide a plurality of different views of the image in different viewing directions, each rendered frame representing a different view of the plurality of different views of the image, wherein each rendered frame includes a plurality of rendered pixels, the plurality of rendered pixels being combined to render the rendered frame, each rendered pixel having a position within the rendered frame.

35. The method according to claim 34, wherein, mapping the image data includes associating the position of each rendered pixel with the position of each light field display on the plurality of fan blades, wherein the position of each light field display is based on the rotation angle that varies over time.

36. The method according to claim 34, wherein, the position of the rendered pixel remains unchanged between the plurality of rendered frames.

37. The method according to claim 34, wherein, mapping the image data further includes: for each light field display, determining color and intensity based on the association between the position of each rendered pixel and the position of each light field display on the plurality of fan blades and the rendered frame to be displayed.

38. The method according to claim 34, wherein, lighting the plurality of light field displays includes: for a given rendered frame, lighting each light field display based on the determined color and intensity, wherein the direction of illumination is related to the viewing direction of the rendered frame, and gating the illumination of each light field display based on the association between the position of each rendered pixel and the position of each light field display on the plurality of fan blades, the rotation of the plurality of fan blades, and the plurality of rendered frames.

39. The method according to claim 33, wherein, the image data includes at least one rendered frame, the rendered frame includes a plurality of rendered pixels, the plurality of rendered pixels are combined to render the rendered frame, and each rendered pixel has a position within the rendered frame.

40. The method according to claim 39, wherein, mapping the image data to each of the plurality of light sources at least partially based on the rotation angle includes: associating the position of each rendered pixel with the position of each light source on the plurality of fan blades, wherein the position of each light source is based on the rotation angle that varies over time.

41. The method according to claim 40, wherein, mapping the image data to each of the plurality of light sources further includes: for each light source, determining color and intensity based on the association between the position of each rendered pixel and the position of each light source on the plurality of fan blades and the rendered frame.

42. The method according to claim 40, wherein, lighting the plurality of light sources includes: for the rendered frame, lighting each light source based on the determined color and intensity, wherein the direction of illumination is related to the viewing direction of the rendered frame, and gating the illumination of each light source based on the association between the position of each rendered pixel and the position of each light source on the plurality of fan blades, the rotation of the plurality of fan blades, and the at least one rendered frame.

43. The method according to claim 33, wherein, the fan assembly is included in a waist pack.

44. The method according to claim 43, wherein, the waist pack includes at least one of a non - transitory memory, a processor, or a battery.

45. The method according to claim 33, further includes cooling electrical components using the fan assembly.

46. The method according to claim 33, wherein, The fan assembly is included in the local processing and data module.

47. The method according to claim 46, further comprising cooling electronics in the local processing and data module using the fan assembly.

48. The method according to claim 46, further comprising attaching the local processing and data module to a user's torso or appendage, or removing the local processing and data module from a user's torso or appendage.

49. The method according to claim 46, further comprising attaching the local processing and data module to a user's hip, or removing the local processing and data module from a user's hip.

50. The method according to claim 33, wherein, the augmented reality display device includes a light field display.

51. The method according to claim 50, wherein, the light field display includes a stacked waveguide assembly.

52. The method according to claim 33, wherein, the augmented reality display device is configured to be mounted on a user's head.

53. The method according to claim 33, wherein, the augmented reality display device includes a display system positioned in front of a user's eyes.

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